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MLB News and Notes: Latest Plan For A Season

Major League Baseball continues to be on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it does not appear that it will be returning in the short term. Still, there is optimism that a season can still be salvaged this year, even if it includes some unusual rule changes (possible universal use of the designated hitter?) or even a temporary realignment to the league.

There has been some buzz about possible solutions to a return as well as other news and notes from around the league. Let’s check out some of that news from this last week:

Possible Realignment

To this point, there have been a plethora of ideas thrown around on how to resume a baseball season if that is eventually allowed. To this point, ideas have included the entire league playing in Arizona or even severing from the American and National League in favor of the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.

According to the Associated Press, another option might be in the works. The plan would be for the 30-team MLB to be split into three separate divisions based on geographic location.

This split in locations would allow for teams to cut down on travel amidst the pandemic, while still being able to see multiple teams. It is still unclear where they would play, but this idea could play into the idea of playing games in Florida, Texas and Arizona.

Regardless, MLB is being creative, and it appears they are hoping for some baseball for the 2020 season.

Puig To The Giants?

Over the weekend, a report from Francys Romero indicated that there was a possible deal in place between the San Francisco Giants and free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig.

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco and even Giants’ president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, have shot down the report. The old adage, though, is that where there is smoke, there is fire, which could apply here. Zaidi may not be able to comment due to the freeze on MLB transactions, and a deal could conceivably come together when it opens up again.

Last season, with both the Reds and Indians, Puig hit .267/.327/.458 with 24 home runs, 84 runs batted in, 76 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. Puig would certainly help the Giants offense and could certainly help the Giants in a possible shortened season.

Hall of Fame Likely Postponed Until 2021

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, NY, will likely be postponed this week.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are highlighted by Derek Jeter and Larry Walker, but also include Hawk Harrelson, Ted Simmons, and Marvin Miller. While it is a disappointing casualty resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, these men will still get their day to be honored; it just might have to wait an extra year.

Mancini Out For The Year

While it remains to be seen whether we have a baseball season or not, sadly, we do know one thing, Trey Mancini won’t be a part of it if it happens.

The Baltimore Orioles slugger recently wrote an article for The Player’s Tribune describing his stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis and a timetable which includes six months of bi-weekly chemotherapy. As a result, the Orioles’ slugger does not anticipate a return to the field anytime soon.

Last season, Mancini broke out hitting .291/.364/.535 with 35 home runs, 97 runs batted in, and 106 runs scored. The most important thing for Mancini at this point is to make sure he is healthy and beats his battle with cancer. In the meantime, MLB fans will be waiting to welcome him back with open arms.

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