A great deal of focus has been placed on the ongoing salary debate between MLB and the MLBPA, but the health and safety protocol is the other key question that needs to be addressed. That’s particularly true regarding several older coaches, including Tigers skipper Ron Gardenhire, who is at greater risk than a number of his peers. “I’m 62 years old,” Gardenhire said in an appearance on the Power Alley show on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (Twitter link, with audio). “I’ve had cancer, I’ve had blood sugar stuff. I’m prime — and I don’t want to be prime.”
To be clear, Gardenhire wasn’t suggesting an aversion to returning in 2020 — he joked “give me a walkie talkie” if that’s what it takes for him to manage games — but rather emphasizing the need for proper safety protocols throughout the game. The well-being of Gardenhire and other older coaches with previous health issues is an important piece to the return plan. Gardenhire, who is three years removed from surgery to address a Feb. 2017 prostate cancer diagnosis, acknowledged that he has concerns about a return but also expressed a great deal of appreciation for the thoroughness of safety guideline discussions so far.
A couple more notes on the Tigers…
- Right-hander Alex Wilson, who’d returned to the Tigers on a minor league deal this winter, finds himself in a state of limbo with the league’s stoppage, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. The 33-year-old has been working to reinvent himself with a sidearm delivery in hopes of extending his career after a dismal 2019 season with the Brewers organization. “Being 33, I don’t know if anybody is going to give me another job if we wait all the way to next year,” Wilson said of the the uncertainty regarding the 2020 season. Should the league resume, he’d be in strong position given expanded rosters, the need for pitching depth and his recent focus on building up to be able to pitch multiple innings. He’ll turn 34 next winter, and while that may not seem too old to get another shot, Wilson settled for a minor league deal with the Indians in Feb. 2019 despite having had a strong 2018 campaign. It’s understandable, then, that he’s a bit apprehensive about his free agency outlook and very much hoping for a chance to prove himself this year.
- With the draft drawing closer, Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson seems like the odds-on favorite to go to the Tigers at No. 1. One high-ranking member of the organization, Tigers pitching director and former USC head coach Dan Hubbs, got an up-close look at Torkelson in college baseball and came away highly impressed, as Jason Beck of MLB.com writes. Hubbs told Beck that Torkelson is “a special player,” adding, “I think there’s no question he can play first base, and he has enough power to play first base, because there isn’t any part of the park that’s safe.”
just cancel the damn season already
Just cancel 2020. Not the baseball season. The entire stupid year.
The pandemic isn’t over. It isn’t safe for folks like Gardenhire to go about. We are in a scary spot needing to get the economy going , yet to be safe. Nothing has changed since Feb. The virus is still un checked. Wanting to get back to normal and actually being able to in a safe manner is 2 different things. Gardenhire has every reason to be concerned.
Oh, things have changed. The virus is far more prevalent nationwide, and even in smaller towns. Its everywhere now. Fuel for the second wave.
Gardenhire could coach from the media room by banging signals to the team on a trashcan with his Apple watch.
Hes the tigers manager, not the Astros
I combined the past 3 violations… Apple watches, media room and trashcan.
Cancell the 2020 Season. It has been obvious for awhile now that MLB won’t be able to keep players, fans, staff safe. Playing just invites another Covid 19 hot spot that could endanger the health, safety and lives of too many.. Get Ready for 2021!
Vaccine won’t be ready until Spring-Summer of 2021.
There is no guarantee that there will ever be a vaccine.
They have been working on the AIDS vaccine for decades.
False! Hundreds of companies and the top brains in the World are working on and testing potential vaccines for Covid 19.
Aids treatments and precautions have changed it from a death sentence to a disease that is treatable and offers long term, normal lives to many.
Magic Johnson has been HIV positive for decades….
There is no vaccine for AIDS.
There is also no vaccine for COVID right now either.
What part of those two points are you claiming is “false”?
Taking a 1B #1 overall isn’t smart. Period. I know the guy can hit at the college level but I’m taking someone with more tools than Torkelson.
I guess when you buy a team you can make those decisions. They are taking a bat and one that comes highly regarded even if you disagree.
Tool #1 – power hitting. Tool # 2 – fielding. Tool # 3 – power hitting. Tool # 4 – good kid. Tool # 5 – power hitting
Martin.
Martin.