For 2020:
While the Phillies season is on hold, the faithful can look forward to Zack Wheeler‘s first start hopefully in July with visions he’ll bring the second-half magic he displayed the last two summers. Realistically, he was the best pitcher available for under $245 million with the untapped potential the Fightins desire.
Didi Gregorius is the left-side hitter the red pinstripes needed to counter right-handed studs who could pitch around Harper in late-game situations. And even though he’s a stopgap for ’20, locals will insist on re-upping him when they see the $14 million bargain in action.
Arizona plan through July:
- Parks: 10 state-of-the-art MiLB and 1 MLB (Arizona Diamondbacks) within a 50-mile radius.
- Games: 3 per day or 33 total.
- Doubleheaders: 7 inning affairs for consecutive games.
- Afternoon broadcasts: morning contests for east coast teams.
- Evening broadcasts: night games for west coast clubs.
- MiLB: 20 clubs to play afternoon contests in MiLB stadiums.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci recently estimated a hopeful start date of July 4.
- Florida games would have more difficulties to pull off.
With Phoenix’s heat, major leaguers could play morning and night games at MiLB parks when the heat is bearable, but Chase Field has a retractable roof for three MLB contests per day: 23 games overall daily. Normally, the majors can play a maximum of 15 games per day not including doubleheaders.
The 20 minor league squads would have 18-20 players per franchise, and their games would be seven frames apiece due to the afternoon heat just to be ready as replacements. However, MLB players would only be away from their families for two months because Aug. 1 going forward would hopefully have spectators.
Because the Arizona governor is working with the lords of baseball, some semblance of televised entertainment could get fans through two less-stressful months. But any team leaning heavily on desire can have a hot 4-5 weeks and cruise into October, so what can Phoenix do for the majors? Rise from the ashes!