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A few thoughts about the spot MLB finds itself in. The whole system rests on the foundation that participants will follow the rules. Epidemiologists told us the protocols were generally sound. But what do you do when personnel, especially players, are away from the field? 1
When a player like Juan Soto tests positive, MLB's contact tracing kicks in. If someone was in "close contact," defined by CDC, they have to shelter in place until they can be given two tests: a point-of-care test that gives quick results, and a saliva test that takes two days. 2
If they pass the point-of-care test and are asymptomatic, they can go to the ballpark.
How many Nationals players were told to stay put because they were in contact? Zero. Because no one met the definition of being within six feet of him for more than 15 minutes. 3
How many Nationals players were told to stay put because they were in contact? Zero. Because no one met the definition of being within six feet of him for more than 15 minutes. 3
I have no clue what Soto told MLB, but you're relying on a player/coach/whomever to be truthful about what they did away from the ballpark. MLB has known all along that's a risk when you're dealing with young, wealthy, competitive alpha males who think they're invincible. 4
This is a realtime experiment on whether you can operate a sport without a bubble (while the NBA and NHL experiment playing IN a bubble). MLB is using best practices to control a disease we aren't close to understanding in full. It's a great year for unintended consequences. 5
And, to state the obvious, this has consequences for everybody. NFL? College football? Schools? Youth sports? Name it. 6
And for anyone pointing out that European soccer has been able to operate, I'd remind everyone that they're playing in countries that got the virus under control. We're now in worse shape than we were when things shut down. 7
