FORT MYERS, Fla. (KMOX) - Sitting inside the dugout at JetBlue Park, St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt was asked about how the organization is handling the coronavirus crisis and if or the team have any concern. He explained, the priority for himself and his players is about everyone feeling "safe."
MLB, along with the NBA, NHL and MLS announced on Monday they will close access to locker rooms and clubhouses for all nonessential personnel, including media, in response to the coronavirus crisis. The decision was met with disappointment by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BWAA), who said in a statement "we desire to work with MLB and MLBPA to discuss solutions beneficial to the players and media alike, until we can return access that allows us to chronicle the game and humanize its performers like no other sport."
The 2019 NL Manager of the Year commended the team's internal process to stay proactive. On Saturday, the team decided to not restrict players from handshakes and high-fives with fans, but did provide players with items to pre-sign and then hand out to fans.
"I feel like we've done a nice job already of internally communicating and making sure everyone understands the facts," Shildt says. "How it's being transmitted, steps to take to prevent it, signs that you may have it."
Shildt said he wanted to be respectful to both the media and fans to allow them "to feel close to what we do."
He was asked if Cardinals players had raised concerns or if he has any concerns.
"No, not that I'm aware of," Shildt says. "I'm not saying there are not concerns, I just haven't heart them. I personally don't (have any concerns)."