Karl Ravech, Rob Manfred hint there will be no MLB season this year
It appears the term "100 percent" may not have much meaning as it pertains to MLB owners and the MLB Players Association agreeing to terms for a 2020 season played amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week , MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said there "100 percent" will be big-league baseball played this summer, and that the World Series would be finished by Nov. because of fears of a second virus wave. Per a March agreement, Manfred can schedule a season that includes as few as around 48-54 games with fully prorated salaries.
Dustin May of the Los Angeles Dodgers was among players ready to report for the shortened season on Monday.
However, ESPN's Karl Ravech poured cold water over hopes had by baseball fans when he tweeted about growing pessimism voiced by in-the-know individuals.
"I’m no longer living in the 100 percent world," Ravech wrote. "Apparently even the most optimistic are no longer there either."
ESPN's Jeff Passan added that Manfred told Mike Greenberg he also fears there won't be big-league baseball in 2020 while speaking for a segment of the network's "The Return of Sports" special that will air Monday night.
"I'm not confident," Manfred reportedly said. "I think there's real risk; and as long as there's no dialogue, that real risk is gonna continue.
"It's just a disaster for our game, absolutely no question about it. It shouldn't be happening, and it's important that we find a way to get past it and get the game back on the field for the benefit of our fans."
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reported the MLBPA must waive all legal claims against the league for there to be a season of any length:
On Friday, MLB owners presented a proposal to the union for a 72-game campaign that offered pay equivalent for about 50 games. As most expected, the players rejected that plan.
The NHL opens training camps on July 10, while the NBA may restart play on July 30. Major League Soccer plans to resume its season with a 26-club tournament that kicks off on July 8.
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