The situation around baseball still seems bleak. Once again, MLB has canceled about a week’s worth of games, as commissioner Rob Manfred announced Wednesday that Opening Day has been pushed back to April 14.
The decision wipes out what would have been a six-game, season-opening homestand for the Giants against the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. Given the tentative nature of the negotiations, it’s hard to assume that these are the final round of cancellations. For now, the Giants are slated to open the season with a 10-game road trip, beginning April 15 at Cleveland. The road swing will also include a four-game series at the New York Mets and a three-game set at the Washington Nationals.
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For the A’s, the April 14 cut-off date comes in the middle of a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The finale of that series lands on April 14, but it doesn’t make much sense for the team to travel to Tampa Bay for one game then jet up to Toronto for three games before flying all the way back to Oakland for the April 18 home opener. According to the team's official site, the April 14 matchup isn't listed on the schedule, making April 15 at Toronto the team's tentative Opening Day.
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The deeper the lockout goes, the more roster uncertainty is around the league. San Francisco’s decision to re-sign Alex Wood and Anthony DeSclafani along with Alex Cobb to shore up the rotation behind Logan Wood is looking awfully smart.
You have to wonder if this abbreviated offseason might impact the A’s ability to deal any of their stars. In November, general manager David Forst said that the team is listening to offers on every player, including Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt and Frankie Montas, who are viewed as potential trade bait for a franchise that could enter a rebuild. Bob Melvin won’t be on the bench in 2022, as Mark Kotsay awaits his first season as skipper. The A’s could have a completely different look if/when baseball returns.
Now the waiting game continues as baseball fans will be left to patrol Twitter for murky negotiation updates.
