As the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have vocalized their opinions about to proper way in which to transition back to a state of normalcy.

Professional athletes have been adamant that sports are essential to helping restore society. Colorado Rockies’ outfielder Charlie Blackmon has been vocal about his support for baseball to return, saying:

“This country needs baseball,” Blackmon said on the Rich Eisen Show.“We need to get back to summer life. Get back to normalcy, being able to watch live events on TV. We need that badly.”

Blackmon’s thoughts provoked many comments from those concerned that rushing sports back will amplify the pandemic.

While there is great concern surrounding the eventual return of pro sports, a majority of players appear to be on board with playing a modified season, so long as the conditions are safe and fare.

However, the players’ union and owners will need to strike a deal to approve some modification, which will include an alteration of players play. A majority of players are understanding that the situation will call for the players to compromise with the owners for the 2020 season, but some are reluctant to negotiate their pay, and would rather sit out than play for a reduced salary.

Tampa Bay Rays ace Blake Snell has been adamant that he wil not play for anything less than the $7 million he is owed in 2020.

“Y’all gotta understand man, for me to go, for me to take a pay cut is not happening, because the risk is through the roof, it’s a shorter season, less pay.”

Baseball finds itself in a pickle, with some players subscribing to Blackmon’s school of thought and others backing Snell. There is no telling how things will play out, so for now we are left to speculate and discuss about when/if baseball will return in 2020.

For the latest installment of the 20th and Blake podcast, resident Rockies’ reporter Aniello Piro dishes out his take about the state of baseball.

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