MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- As the coronavirus concerns mount, players, coaches and managers across MLB are keeping a keen eye on the developments.
"We just listen to the experts and people in charge," Cubs manager David Ross said. "MLB seems to have a handle on this and is doing all the rigorous work on how to contain this thing around Major League Baseball. We are just following orders."
On Monday, MLB joined the NBA, NHL and MLS in jointly announcing a clubhouse ban of media members and non-essential personnel for the foreseeable future in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. While that's a small first step, the bigger action would be to ban fans from games, as some European and Asian sports leagues have already done.
The thought of playing in an empty stadium is jarring in the minds of many players, such as Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. As of now, MLB doesn't plan to alter its schedule or ban fans.
"I would definitely fight against that," Rizzo said. "We play for the fans. We are employed because of the fans and everything that they bring for us with their energy. I know we would still be able to put on a show and play, but the energy they bring -- particularly at Wrigley Field -- is really an advantage."
The unknown is causing a fair amount of consternation these days.
"This is strange," Rizzo said. "You see the Japanese and Korean leagues postpone their seasons. I think as the coronavirus picks up steam, here in the States you will see a lot more precautions. For me though, you can't live scared."
Some players aren't getting too preoccupied by the coronavirus outbreak at this time.
"It feels like its the flu to me," Cubs outfielder Steven Souza Jr. said. "I am not that concerned. I won't change my day. I understand the concern. There have been some deaths from it. I take it very seriously. I don't think there is enough stuff to warrant a panic over here in the U.S. I expect Cubs fans to be there. The Cubs fans are excited about the Opening Day as we are. I think we will take it at that."
Ross realizes the player-fan relationship may take a hit for a bit.
"That is the tough one," Ross said. "I think the fans will suffer a little bit. Not everybody has the best hygiene or washes their hands all of the time. It's just a fact. So you try to prepare yourself, expect the worst and go about your business. The fans may be impacted a little bit. Maybe it's just a photo. Fans are into selfies right now. Maybe players start wearing batting gloves. We will figure out away. The fans are really important."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
