Reds news: Three-state plan could see Cincinnati play in Texas

Fans are patiently waiting for baseball to return. Perhaps a proposed three-state plan could work out well for the Cincinnati Reds.

Fans throughout baseball have seen umpteen different proposals to start the 2020 season. The coronavirus pandemic put a halt to spring training and the season, if it’s played, will definitely not look like what we’re used to. However, the new three-state plan could work out well for the Cincinnati Reds, as they’d hopefully begin playing games in Texas.

According to CBS Sports, MLB is discussing a new three-state plan that would feature baseball in Arizona, Florida and Texas. Most fans have heard a few different versions of MLB’s proposals to get baseball back, including a plan to seclude all 30 teams in Arizona and another that splits the teams between Arizona and Florida.

This newest rumored proposal, however, adds the Lone Star State to the mix. In this proposed scenario, teams could use major league ballparks in St. Petersburg (Florida), Arlington (Texas) and Phoenix (Arizona). Two other major league parks in Miami (Florida) and Houston (Texas) may also be utilized.

The advantage to this plan is that each of the five sites mentioned have roofs, which would safeguard against rain delays and the heat. One of the biggest concerns surrounding the only-Arizona plan was the triple-digit heat that blasts the desert each and every summer.

CBS Sports notes that it’s unclear which or how many teams would be assigned to each areas. However, a good assumption would be that the Reds would find a home in Texas, as it would allow a better time for an eastern time zone viewing audience.

No fans would be in attendance, but with Arlington being in the Central timezone, it could afford easier viewing than if the Reds were stationed in Arizona and in the Pacific timezone. It would make sense for the Reds along with the other nine teams from both the NL Central and AL Central to find a home in Texas.

That said, it would be hard to envision both Texas-based teams not playing in their home state. Perhaps the Kansas City Royals (Arizona) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (Florida) could remain in their spring training sites.

As CBS Sports mentioned, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is on board to get sports back in his state, regardless of whether fans are in attendance or not. Provided baseball returns, I don’t think many fans care whether the Cincinnati Reds call home. Let’s hope we see baseball return soon.