ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis Cardinals fans are still buzzing about last week's acquisition of third-baseman Nolan Aronado, but will they be able to see him play in person at Busch Stadium?
"We're optimistic we're going to be able to have some fans in the ballpark," says Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak, "We just don't know exactly what that percent looks like."
Mozeliak tells KMOX's Sports on a Sunday Morning that a lot will depend on the region's COVID-19 status at the time.
St. Louis health director Dr. Fredrick Echols says he is still waiting for guidance from Major League Baseball, but the Los Angeles Times reports MLB will allow fans, sitting in pods, at least six feet apart, like the St. Louis Blues are using, and requiring masks except while seated.
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Echols says whatever baseball decides, the city is going to take a slow and steady approach.
"We want to make sure the effects control and operating plans that are in place can be carried out throughout the season," he says. "In order to do that you have to test them and identify areas that need improvement and make the necessary adjustments so when larger crowds are able to gather they can do so safely."
In addition to making sure fans are safe in their seats, Echols says, they have to be concerned about where they go when not seated.
"As people move across these venues, there are opportunities for transmission there," Echols says. "So, we are making sure we identify those opportunities ahead of time and make sure the operating plans address those. It's really critical."
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Mozeliak says they hope they can keep adding more fans as the season goes on.
The Cardinals home opener is set for April 8 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
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