2019-2020 MLB Non-Phillies News/Notes Discussion

[zambonir]

Agreed, but I bet none of that applies to MLB. The Uniform Employee Contract probably gives the teams and league all the leeway. As it is, Manfred already suspended all contracts for the year so teams and leagues already have the right to fire, furlough or layoff anyone they want. To whatever extent they have not done so has mostly been due to PR blowback.

It would be an interesting test case. If your employer at a regular job required you to work from home - which is the case here, they are going to be "advisors" - and was still paying you full salary and benefits - would a court consider that a form of discrimination, or even worthy of the court's time?

[phillychuck]

Good hypothetical question.

I am planning to return to work in person in early September (as of right now--conditions may change). My employer has not indicated any preference for me to work solely from home; in fact, I think my employer would object to me doing that (although, in my job, it is a feasible option). We are all blazing new trails through the COVID wilderness..

[Lawman]

That's probably right.

[zambonir]

We're likely to have a lot more lawsuits for the exact opposite situation, older or immuno-compromised-adjacent employees who want to continue working from home but aren't being given the option.

Another issue that's going to come up - employers who decide to make WFH permanent or semi-permanent without compensating their employees for the space and resources used on company time.

[Lucky_Beagle]

Ian Desmond Opts Out Of 2020 Season

[LoneStarPhan]

I have not heard of any Phillies' players opting out other than Wheeler probably missing a part of the season for the birth of their child. I guess we will know in a few days if anyone is not reporting to ST2.

[zambonir]

Per the Phillies thread Klentak said they are not expecting anyone to opt out. However there are still players who won't be medically cleared after testing positive.

[andyb]

Positive test absences will give them a little time to finesse 40-man roster moves if they need to. If they can elevate someone from the 60 who is not on the 40 to replace a positive test it will give all these AAAA pitchers chances without exposing them to waivers eventually.

[zambonir]

The Ian Desmond thing is an important read

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCCp7aSptTr/

[BaseballCat]

Wow, powerful. Thanks for posting. The MLB Trade rumors site has link to post, but it never mentions the meaningful words expressed by Ian Desmond before his announcement of sitting out. That is a shame.

[Patchmk88]

Wow that was an experience reading that. Definitely a tear jerker and thought provoker. Desmond now has a new fan.

[DurhamBull]

Yes, I respect Desmond a lot after reading that. Very thoughtful & powerful. Thanks for sharing.

[andyb]

MInor league season officially cancelled.

[Philsmania]

MInor league season officially cancelled.

Somber video from the R-Phils.

[BostonRoss]

The Lowell Spinners web site says that season ticket holders and others who purchased tickets for this season will receive a credit for next season. If MLB’s plan goes through, the Spinners won’t be playing next year either.

[zambonir]

Yeah that's a tough one. If I was a loyal longtime season ticketholder I'd happily do that as a show of faith and support that they will figure out a way to still exist, and to not further strain their finances this year, but there's also a chance they'd go away without being obligated to offer refunds, i.e. bankrupt (and that is also going to be true of a lot of teams, even ones that haven't previously been targeted for rumored MLB contraction).

And if I was an individual ticket buyer and they're not giving refunds I'd be calling my credit card company.

[LoneStarPhan]

Surely MLB will cover obligations of minor league teams in the interest of preserving the good name of professional baseball.

Baseball is not alone in holding money for events not happening, at least not now. My son mentioned recently that he had two thousand tied up in tickets to concerts and Broadway plays, all now cancelled. Almost all want to roll the money over to future events. I have money with an airline for a trip that I couldn't take in May. Maybe later this year, we will feel we can fly again, but right now, I am not going to take a plane trip. In fact, the destination is not now being served by the airline. I don't know when they will resume flights to that airport.

[zambonir]

I had Broadway tix in early April, they were refunded the day after the show was cancelled. I'm not sure they realized then what was coming, it was more like, "sorry your show was cancelled, good luck finding tickets for a future performance!" Concerts have been a pain but when they have been postponed they give you 30 days to request a refund, and when they've been cancelled they are automatic (if slow). Some are still "indefinitely" postponed which allows them to sit on your money longer.

I also have MLS season tickets and took the refund over the credit, even though the latter came with some bonuses. I still don't really believe there will be a normal 2021 season, at least not on time. I will still be required to renew and start paying for those in the fall, however (except I probably will give the tickets up).

I took the credits from the airline too (for two flights in March) but am tempted to request a refund if possible. You should totally ask for a refund, given the destination isn't being served, that opens a window for you that might not otherwise exist. I'm just assuming the expiration dates on the credits will continue to be pushed forward.

[Philsmania]

The Redskins might not be the only team making a name change. Bring back the Spiders?

Indians weigh 'best path forward' for team name

[BostonRoss]

The Burning Rivers