Drayer: Mariners prefer for ‘spring training round 2’ to be in Seattle
Jun 5, 2020, 7:36 PM | Updated: 8:02 pm
The Mariners are preparing to conduct 'spring training part 2' at T-Mobile Park. (AP)
(AP)
Should MLB and the MLBPA come to agreement on restarting a season – whatever the length might be – teams will be given the option to hold each of their spring training part 2’s either at their spring training facilities in Florida or Arizona, or in their home ballparks. While the Mariners have opened their facilities in Peoria and have had area players working out there for over a week, their spring training would most likely be held in Seattle.
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“Playing/training at home is certainly our preference as long as our government and health officials allow it,” said Jerry Dipoto via text on Friday.
The Mariners had been planning for the possibility of having to train in Arizona believing that they might not be allowed to play at T-Mobile Park until July. Friday morning however, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that professional sports can resume in Washingston starting June 5 regardless of the reopening phase their counties are in provided certain benchmarks are set.
• Following agreed-upon “league-wide and team-specific ‘return to play’ safety plans”
• Having that league-wide plan approved by either the player’s union or the association representing players
• Reporting the target date for resuming practice and play to respective county health departments
• Keeping games spectator free
While resuming spring training in Arizona could allow for games against other teams, one less relocation of players and staff coupled with more favorable weather conditions are two factors that play into the preference to stay in Seattle. On the downside, there are just 5 pitching mounds to work off of and the one field at T-Mobile park. It is unclear as of yet whether or not the team could utilize other area fields/facilities.
In recent weeks the Astros, Phillies, Pirates and Rangers are among the teams that reportedly will or are likely to hold a second spring training in their home parks.
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