(670 The Score) MLB continues to explore potential options for a resumption of play after the spread of the coronavirus slows. The proposals -- which include games being played just in the Phoenix area or teams splitting up between Arizona and Florida -- have been met with mixed reviews from executives, coaches, players, government officials and fans.
One of those who supports MLB being aggressive and ambitious in its planning is Cubs outfielder Ian Happ, who has stayed in Arizona with several teammates during this quarantine period. Happ appreciates the league is creating initiatives early, as he told the Dan Bernstein Show on 670 The Score on Wednesday.
"Right now, they're just exhausting every possible option," Happ said. "You have to have all these plans in place. You have to think through them from a logistics standpoint, from a time standpoint. And then once we as a union and a league find out more about CDC recommendations, about where we're heading as a country from a gathering standpoint, I think then some decisions can be made.
"If we're not brainstorming now, if we're not trying to figure out every possible solution, then once the time comes, we'll be behind. I think they're doing the right things in trying to figure out every possible way to play baseball games this year. I know all the players are just hoping we'll find a way to get them in somehow."
Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation's leading experts in charge of the response to the coronavirus pandemic, said in a Snapchat show Wednesday that he supports sports contests being held in empty stadiums as long as participants are kept under proper quarantine and tested weekly. And the state of Arizona is open to hosting all MLB games across spring training sites at the appropriate time with respect to public health, Gov. Doug Ducey said Tuesday.
While waiting to hear the next steps, Happ has filled some of his free time by launching a podcast with teammates called "The Compound" and also by serving as the Cubs' player representative in the MLB The Show tournament.
As far as preparing for the season, Happ has turned his driveway in Arizona into a gym using equipment provided by the Cubs. He also has been playing a lot of tennis in an effort to stay active.
"It's just about staying positive," he said. "There's light at the end of the tunnel. We're going to play baseball games at some point, and that's really what we're looking forward to. What's keeping us going is knowing at some point, we're going to put that uniform back on and we're going to get to play for the fans. That's how positive you have to be."
