Players, Managers considering option of MLB’s all-Arizona idea

Boston’s Chris Sale, out for the season following Tommy John surgery, thought about the prospect of his teammates sequestering in the Phoenix area for an extended period if Major League Baseball and its players adopt an all-Arizona start to the campaign.

“I don’t know if I could look at my kids just through a screen for four or five months. Same thing goes with my wife,” the pitcher stated Tuesday. “That’s a long time. But people have done it in harsh scenarios, I guess. I think there’s a lot of figuring out to do.”

Putting all 30 teams in the Phoenix area this season and playing in empty ballparks was among the ideas considered Monday during a call among five top officials from MLB and the players’ association that was led by Commissioner Rob Manfred, people familiar with the discussion told The Associated Press. They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because no details were announced.

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With its season delayed due to the new coronavirus, both sides are searching for ways to get under way.

Kansas City manager Mike Matheny would feel privileged to help the country return to a semblance of normalcy and provide an escape for fans.

Baseball officials intend to study which options may be viable economically and would gain necessary permits. The league said it has not yet sought approval of any plan from federal, state and local officials, or from the players’ association.

Arizona has 10 spring training ballparks plus the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field all within about 50 miles. Phoenix Municipal Stadium — Oakland’s old spring training base and now Arizona State’s stadium — is an option along with Grand Canyon’s Brazell Field. Chase Field could host several matches each day following its switch to an artificial surface ahead of the 2019 season.

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