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COVID-19 has impacted all of us the world over. Whether it be the fear and anxiety that it creates to actually having the virus and dealing with its repercussions. For those that read BCB, one of the great joys in life is watching and cheering for the Milwaukee Brewers. It might just be one of the ways we deal with the stress of our lives as well.
Unfortunately the loss of baseball in Milwaukee and in every other city and region in the country is real. That reality is becoming more and more dire as time passes. The number of announcements concerning COVID-19 and its impact on MLB and MiLB just today are many. Coming out of the commissioner’s office, Rob Manfred posted the following:
Statement from Major League Baseball: pic.twitter.com/E5xPfMGOc0
— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2020
From this announcement we know that baseball is not coming back for at least another two months pushing the beginning of baseball season into the second week of May. The commissioner’s office encouraged everyone to go home on Sunday after a New York Yankees minor-leaguer tested positive.
The second week of May might be optimistic. There is speculation that the delay will go well beyond.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred having conference call at noon advising all teams to shut down their facilities. Several GMs are bracing for delay now as late as July
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 16, 2020
Nearly every day the MLB expected shutdown is pushed back farther. Not a good trend. I'm hearing July 4 now is best case scenario.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) March 16, 2020
David Stearns answered questions about the delay to the season from a Brewers’ perspective earlier this week. His interview can be seen via Adam McCalvy and a breakdown of the particulars of Stearns’ response can also be seen on BCB. Stearns’ comments coincide with the response from MLB and MLBPA.
With schools closing and some areas of the country going on lock down. MLB and MLBPA are donating a substantial sum brought on by the unintended consequences that come from such dire decisions.
MLB and the MLBPA announce a joint $1M donation to help fight hunger as a result of school closures and quarantines stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Donation will be split between Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America. pic.twitter.com/eegWOZ818D
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 16, 2020
To alleviate the financial burden caused to many of the players, an $1,100 stipend is being given to all active players on 40-man rosters. A transaction/signing freeze is currently in negotiation, but nothing concrete yet.
Player have been told there is no freeze yet on roster moves but that could soon change.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 16, 2020
They can also return home and receive $1,100 per week living allowance until at least April 9 for players on 40-man rosters and non-roster invites who finished last season on 40-man roster
Players that are not on 40-man rosters or who finished on 40-man rosters last year are not getting any relieve unless you count players who are a part of the Tampa Bay Rays. Minor league players in the Rays’ system will get $800 a piece to help with expenses. No other clubs have stepped up to do the same as of yet.
Rays announced that every minor leaguer will be getting $800 to help with expenses during the Spring Training shutdown.
— More Than Baseball (@mtb_org) March 16, 2020
This is going to help so many players with unstable situations continue to focus on their health and on baseball.
While the Rob Manfred hopes to see an entire schedule played in 2020, getting a 162 game season is unlikely. The fact is no one knows when baseball will return or if it will for the 2020 season. COVID-19 is taking away freedom, well-being, life, and health. Hockey, soccer, basketball, and baseball have been outlets in times of stress for many. While not near as important as freedom, well-being, life, and health, COVID-19 has taken sport and most especially Brewers’ baseball away too.
Take care Brewer Nation!
UPDATE:
The Brewers have announced the temporary closures of the Tean Store as well as the Restaurant To Be Named Later.
A message to our guests, RTBNL will close temporarily tonight starting at 9pm. pic.twitter.com/HqM9T9w9nu
— BrewersRTBNL (@BrewersRtbnl) March 16, 2020
As of March 17, the Brewers Team Store at Miller Park will close temporarily due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic. This is in the interest of the safety & well-being of our fans & staff. We will continue to provide updates as more info is available.
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 17, 2020