(670 The Score) As MLB officials consider a variety of proposals for a return to action when the spread of the coronavirus slows, Angels manager Joe Maddon knows what he doesn't want to see implemented.
That would be the idea known as the Arizona Plan, which has gained a great deal of attention and now pushback as well. Under it, all 30 teams would play their games at empty spring training stadiums in the Phoenix area. Beyond that, players would have to be isolated at hotels -- perhaps for months and without their families, which has raised concern.
"I really think that'd be very difficult," Maddon said on Inside the Clubhouse on 670 The Score on Saturday morning. "It goes right down to truly weather. Even at night in the summer time, it's over 100 degree at night. I just believe that eventually guys will wear down too quickly. I think there would actually be a loss of interest by playing in the one spot, one location constantly, going from a ballpark back to a hotel. Any kind of a mental and physical quarantine, I don't know that you're going to get the product you're looking for. So I don't really like that particular model."
Maddon understands how much fans want to see games as they remain quarantined themselves and how much money is at stake for all parties in baseball, but he doesn't want to rush a return. Maddon believes there could be a plan implemented in which stadiums with retractable roofs are heavily utilized, thus mitigating weather concerns, including rainouts.
Seven MLB parks have retractable roofs, while Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is a dome.
Maddon also would like to see MLB get in at least 100 games.
"I still like the idea of playing at least 100 games, and I like the idea of playing later into the year," Maddon said. "I like Thanksgiving being the last game of the season. I don't know this for a fact, but I want to believe that's doable. I think 100 games minimum, you might be able to get up to 120 if you're able to get rolling at a specific time. I know it may begin with nobody in the stands. That's fine. But I also believe you could build in specific dates where you believe people can be in the stands. There's got to be a layer technique to this somehow. It just can't be like, 'Just jump out and start doing it this way and it's going to be like this the whole time through.'
"Complicated? Absolutely. Interesting? No question. Re-engage fans and really permit us to be part of the healing process? No question. There are all kinds of items attached to this right now that are fascinating. But first, the biggest thing is everybody's healthy."