Reds second-round of spring training likely to begin next week

If the players agree to the health and safety regulations, the Reds could be in camp next week.

Spring training 2.0 is likely to begin on July 1st. Cincinnati Reds fans, and baseball fans as a whole, have been waiting for the players and owners to put their differences aside and come to an agreement on the 2020 season. Since neither side showed a willingness to budge, Commissioner Rob Manfred had to step in.

The owners and players were unable to come to an agreement, but the commissioner was able to impose a 2020 season based on the March 26th agreement. MLB released a statement asking two questions of the players; 1) can they report by July 1st and is the Operating Manual, which governs safety mind the coronavirus pandemic acceptable.

Reds spring training 2.0 will likely be held at Great American Ball Park. Rather than seeing several teams converge on Arizona and Florida, the majority of teams are likely to hold the second-round of spring training at their home ballparks.

Of course, the likelihood of fans in the stands for the 2020 season is not high. One of the biggest hangups over the past several weeks of negotiations between the players and owners centered around the owners claims of last revenue due to no fans in the stadiums. Rather than make salary concessions, the players stuck to the idea of full pro-rated salaries, which they’re slated to receive.

A few things we won’t see in 2020 are advertisements on the player’s jerseys and expanded playoffs. The universal DH is still in play, however, as it is means to help keep pitchers healthy. While many baseball pursuit abhor the idea of the designated hitter in the National League, it would greatly benefit the Reds this season.

So, while no agreement between the players and owners was reached, it appears we’ll have baseball in 2020. However, a big question will be the response from the fans. Has baseball done irreparable damage to its fanbase. Personally, I don’t think so. While I would’ve liked to have seen both sides come to an agreement, baseball isn’t the only sport struggling to return this year.

However, it was the only sport bickering over money. The PGA and NASCAR have returned, the NBA and NHL both have plans to return near the end of July, and the NFL appears to be on track for its season to begin in the fall. Baseball will have its work cut out in terms fo viewership.