JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 3/16/20

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Ben Clemens

2:59

As an aside, I'm really hopeful that this results in better protections for MiLB players

I think that their plight is being exposed to a wider swath of the baseball-following world than before

3:00

Obviously in crappy circumstances, but it would be nice if the outcry resulting from this means something.

Pat's Bat

3:01

I hope it results in better protections for everyone. America was woefully unprepared not just for the pandemic but for the economic fallout.

Ben Clemens

3:01

Yes, wholeheartedly agree.

3:02

Let's keep the chat away from politics (I mean me, not you, I think your statement has a lot of merit)

But I think that one thing we're seeing as a result of this

Is how many people are truly in tenuous economic circumstances

It's scadry

scary*

3:03

What you consider the best method for dealing with that is up to you

3:04

But it's a huge issue facing the country (and world), and I don't think you can pretend it doesn't exist.

Guest

3:04

What's the dealio with Hawk-Eye?

Ben Clemens

3:05

It was scheduled to be online for Opening Day this year, so I assume they'll just use it whenever baseball starts.

Things are going to be *very* busy when the season starts.

We'll have new batted ball tracking, a new schedule, players trying to get in shape quickly. We could very easily have teams avoiding some cities entirely and playing in spring facilities or something, so park factors will be a mess.

It's gonna be a weird year.

Derek

3:06

In this scenario couldn't they just move the Rays game somewhere else? Say, Miami? Would be kind of odd, but drastic times...

Ben Clemens

3:07

That might be the solution. No home games allowed. I do think that a warm-weather playoffs is a good solution, though.

3:08

If some teams get unfairly favored by a small amount by being true home teams rather than just designated home teams, that's unfortunate.

But getting baseball to work is more important. You could do what Derek is saying here and force no home games, or just say whatever and let teams play as "away" teams in their own stadium. I don't particularly care which.

3:09

San Francisco is going to shelter in place rules effective midnight tonight.

That's going to be weird.

3:10

Stay at home except for essential needs. Grocery stores will remain open, etc.

Effective at midnight, San Francisco will require people to stay home except for essential needs.

Necessary government functions & essential stores will remain open.

These steps are based on the advice of public health experts to slow the spread of #COVID19.

3:11

Reading some of the words in this are crazy

People in the six counties will still be able to go shopping for items such as food and household supplies, and seek medical care. They will be able to go outside for walks or exercise as long as they keep six feet away from anyone they don’t already live with.

3:12

I was actually worried I wouldn't be able to go for a run, but it looks like that's covered.

The list of essential businesses mostly makes sense

Grocery stores, medical facilities, gas stations, restaurants.

But also: laundry services!

3:13

I guess lots of people don't have in-building access to laundry, and not cleaning your clothes for this long could be a health hazard.

It just looks weird seeing it written out.

Derek

3:13

It's quite odd to basically be living inside an asterisk and recognize it in real time!

Ben Clemens