The Lockout Diaries: Week 9

Nick, your mention of baseball movies got me thinking that I haven't watched The Perfect Game in a long time.  I am going to tee it up this weekend.  This lockout too shall pass (I hope!).

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It pains me to think how much more this is affecting or alienating someone who isn't nearly as obsessed and invested in the sport as I am.

I think it's a safe guess that most people who are not invested in baseball probably don't even know that there is a stoppage and wouldn't start paying any attention at all until at least April (and more likely August).

Some may disagree, but starting the season in Late April or Early May would be no problem with many fans. I belong to a large season ticket group.  The late March and April games are the least popular ones.  I know - don’t wish for a work stoppage or it could go till August. 

There is no obvious solution because neither side seems to feel a sense of urgency.  I suspect the owners will try to hold on until the players really feel the pinch and capitulate.  I know the big buck stars won't be hurting, but there are a lot of minimum salary players out there. 

You might add to your observations TD going back to the best articles from past years - obviously there is only so much to write about for this season.

1 hour ago, PDX Twin said:

I think it's a safe guess that most people who are not invested in baseball probably don't even know that there is a stoppage and wouldn't start paying any attention at all until at least April (and more likely August).

Extremely true, most people I know just watch a few baseball games when they hear the Twins are doing well, and maybe go to a game every couple of years because their employer gave them tickets. There may be a theoretical sliver of the fanbase in a sweet spot where they're following closely enough to know about the CBA negotiations, but their interest is fragile enough that they're ready to walk away from baseball if those negotiations seem too greedy, but I don't think it's a significant demographic.

NCAA fastpitch softball starts soon. Hopefully we see more of it on TV this year with baseball being the babies they are. It's a better game anyway. Try it once, I bet you like it. 

Here is an interesting development.  MLB has asked for a federal mediator.    Federal Mediator

15 hours ago, Squirrel said:

And my guess is the owners know it will be denied, which is why they asked for it.

I'd have to concur on that.  My small animal hindbrain is telling me that this has been the owners end game all along. 

It comes across as if they (the owners) don't care if the top paid players cave or not, and almost as if they hope they don't.  At that point, the league could hypothetically toss the union aside and start all over with non-union / 40 Man players and restructure the league as they see fit. 

Would it be a PR headache/nightmare? Probably, but It seems like the league is looking at this whole process as a long game scenario and a chance to rest power away from the MLBPA (they're would potentially be a large number of young players who "just want to play" who would be willing to cross the lines/MLBPA be damned ?‍♂️).  

Looking back at the last few years with the focus lens of the current situation, the league's "concessions" and gestures appear as even more symbolic and token than anything of substance.  I hope this isn't the morally questionable long game plan of the owners, but power and money have driven men to do more for less.

If MLB wants to destroy and remake itself into whatever form it wants... so be it.  I will return to it when/if it regains it's senses because I love the game. 

With that being said... we don't have to abandon/walk away from baseball.  Far from it.  I would ask everyone here to go and support your local colleges and HS teams.  These kids are truly still living the "dream" and love the support of their communities.  Show them the love, they deserve it .  

Just now, Squirrel said:

The minor leaguers, too ... those are really fun games to watch, especially the low minors

Amen