Whether there will actually be a 2020 baseball season or not remains anyone’s guess. But judging by what went down at Dodger Stadium on Friday amidst the worst global pandemic in over a century, you’ve got to like what you see.

Donned in masks and following strict MLB and CDC protocols, the Dodgers held their first official workout of what is affectionately being called ‘Spring Training-2.’

“There’s a trust factor there with Major League Baseball, the players union, my teammates – everybody here has to take accountability for being as safe as possible, and I have trust in that, that we’re doing everything possible,” said Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw during a Zoom press conference on Friday. “And at the end of the day, I wanted to play. That’s one of the biggest driving factors. If MLB and the players union feels it’s safe for us to be here, then I feel it’s OK to give it a shot. Guys that do opt-out, I get that. We’re going to support that as a team.”

Even though the future Hall of Famer has been working out at Dodger Stadium for the past two weeks, when asked what it was like walking into the ballpark for the first official day of Spring Training-2, he broke into a huge smile and said exactly what we all needed to hear.

“I love it. I’ve missed this place; I love being here. Dodger Stadium is very special to me. If this three months taught me anything it’s that I really miss the game. I love baseball, I miss playing, I miss pitching, I miss the guys. It was a great feeling to come back today, for sure.”  

As Dodger fans know, Kershaw was slated to make his record-continuing ninth consecutive Opening Day start against the Hated Ones on March 26 when the COVID-19 pandemic shut baseball – and the world – down. Does he know if this is still the case for the revised Opening Day set for July 24th?

“No. I’m kind of assuming. I’m going under that preface, but I have no idea,” he answered. “The schedule’s not really even out yet, so I think it’s really hard to know that for sure.”

Count on it.

But Friday’s presser wasn’t all smiles. When asked point-blank if any of his players have opted out, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was perfectly clear.

… as mud.

“You know, with the opt-outs, we’re talking… I’ve talked about it before, that every player has the right to look at the situation individually and with regard to their families, and so we’ve had conversations with all the players and listening to their thoughts, concerns; some of them more concerned than others,” Roberts replied to what was clearly an uncomfortable topic. “So we’re going to continue to have those conversations. So right now, there’s nothing to report. But, you know, again, if anyone chooses to go that route, I know that myself and the organization, their teammates would support them.”

Clear as mud.

Roberts was also asked if, because of MLB’s mandate that teams must carry at least one catcher on their three-man taxi squad, has there been any consideration in re-signing 14-year MLB veteran catcher and Dodger fan-favorite Russell Martin, who became a free agent after the 2019 season.

“Aaah… you know… we’ve talked about a lot of different things, but, you know, as you said, we are going to have that third catcher on the taxi squad, but we don’t know who it’s going to be right now.”

Clear as mud.

Later in the day, Dodgers veteran third baseman Justin Turner had his time behind the Zoom mic and, as usual, entertained reporters.

“It’s a lot easier answering these things when I don’t have to see your faces,” the popular redhead kidded.

On a more serious note, Turner was asked if his decision to play in 2020 was a difficult one.

“Honestly, for me, it’s probably been one of the easier decisions in the league,” Turner answered. “It’s just me and my wife at home, I don’t have kids, so.

“I’ve wanted to play all along. I know there’s a 111-page document full of regulations and guidelines and procedures to try to help protect us as best as possible, and I know the league and the Players Association has been following closely along with other leagues and what they’re doing to ensure our safety, and I think that we’re taking all the right steps and procedures to protect the players once they get inside the stadium,” he added.

Day-2 of Spring Training-2 resumes later this morning, with Roberts and All-Star right-hander Walker Buehler scheduled to Zoom with reporters on our Nation’s birthday.

Play Ball!

  *  *  *  *  *  *