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Will the 2020 MLB season finally take place?

By David Levin

JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: Garrett Cooper #26 of the Miami Marlins in action during the spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 04, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: Garrett Cooper #26 of the Miami Marlins in action during the spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 04, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Has MLB finally reached a point with the Players Association where a schedule can be set to see baseball resume activities this summer?

It looks as though the Players Association wants to stop talking about when the 2020 season will begin and start a dialogue with the League office about when teams can get back on the field. Now it is up to MLB to make that happen.

"“In a statement Saturday night, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark rejected MLB’s latest proposal and said: “Further dialogue with the league would be futile. It’s time to get back to work. Tell us when and where.” Jeff Passan of ESPN.com wrote.."

After weeks of trading proposals, listening to demands, and wondering when one side of the argument will concede, it looks as though this might be a major step towards getting an abbreviated MLB season underway.

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The move to get back on the field may have gotten a lift last this past week when it was announced that MLB commissioner had the right – if neither side could agree on the length of the 2020 season and the salary compensation for the players – to institute a shortened season without the input of the union.

"“A March agreement between the parties allows MLB to set a schedule, and the league has suggested that in the absence of a negotiated agreement with the union it could impose a schedule of somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 games and pay players full prorated salaries worth a total of around $1.25 billion,” Passan adds."

Also, the league office has been given until the end of business on Monday, July 15 to state what intentions there are of getting in a shortened season. Players may not immediately return to spring training. There is plenty to still iron out.

Players have not participated in team activities since the middle of March because of the threat of the Coronavirus. Some players have been able to work out at team facilities recently, but no plans have been made yet to allow full-squad participation.

Part of the issue between the two sides has been monetary. Players want to be compensated as much as possible for the short time there are on the diamond this summer.

"“A March agreement between the parties allows MLB to set a schedule, and the league has suggested that in the absence of a negotiated agreement with the union it could impose a schedule of somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 games and pay players full prorated salaries worth a total of around $1.25 billion,” Passan wrote."

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