Toronto Blue Jays: Playing at Rogers Centre seems like best option
Given the rise of cases in Florida, the Toronto Blue Jays would be better off holding training camp and their season at Rogers Centre instead of Dunedin.
The closer we get to the deadline for players to report for training camp on July 1, it seems like the Toronto Blue Jays will have the toughest call out of all the MLB clubs. Where do they tell players to report to?
For the longest time, we had thought their spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla., was the most logical spot but as Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported, the rise of COVID-19 cases in the region and within the organization seems to have altered that plan.
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Now the team is looking for some help from the Canadian government as they attempt to shift gears towards Rogers Centre being their hub. Of course, while this appears to be the more logical destination, it seems like this will be easier said than done.
Right now, the team is in a holding pattern as the government is going over the proposal from Major League Baseball and expects a decision at some point this week according to The Associated Press. Since there is no guarantee of the Blue Jays getting the approval they need, Dunedin will have to be the next location despite the risks; although Buffalo is another alternative, that facility might not be ready in time.
Here is why Rogers Centre remains the logical option. The Blue Jays can set up all the players and staff in the attached hotel in order to ensure they have direct access to the field, clubhouse and facilities without having to go outside.
This is also beneficial for visiting teams who can travel from the airport to the stadium and stay in another part of the hotel (if there is enough space). This would be better than having the team travel to Florida where the reported number of cases keeps climbing, especially with players working in facilities.
Sure, there is something to be said about having the government giving an exception to a sports team but this is also a business too. These players aren’t going to be able to venture around and do whatever they want and will be subject to strict testing and guidelines.
It might not be the most ideal scenario but this is what the situation dictates and it will be up to the team to make the necessary adjustments.
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What do you think about the Blue Jays playing games at Rogers Centre? Is it too much of a health risk or is it better than playing in Florida? Let us know in the comments below.