Dick Williams, the Reds' president of Baseball operations, Nick Krall, the general manager nad manager David Bell were on the same page when the Reds opened spring training on February 12. Any player, coach, front office employee, the media, anyone who showed up to the Goodyear complex sick or showing symptoms would be sent home, period.
It was not the Covid`19 that caused the stern edict. Last year a flu bug circulated the clubhouse for months last season, arguably affecting performance on the field. When Nick Castellanos, a key off season acquisition showed up with symptoms, he was sent home. The Reds were curious to see his game in action but Castellanos was out for three days. Other players were sent home as well. It didn't matter who they were. If they were sneezing, coughing, or showed any other signs, they were sent home until they were better.
There was no testing for the virus. Like every other part of our country, there were very few tests available. The Reds had it right before any government entity proposed physical distancing based on the common flu, nothing as easily spread like the Covid 19. It was common sense. They had just as much time to prepare for the now suspended 2020 season as every other team but took measures to ensure health first.
Covid 19 took control of the country by March 12. The Reds shut it down like everyone else. After a two-day review MLB decided that it was wise to shut down spring training and postpone the start of the season. Players were given the option to stay in Goodyear, return to Cincinnati or go to their home town. Shogo Akiyama was asked about the Japanese League postponing their season the day before MLB did. "They made the decision they had to make," Akiyama said through his interpreter Luke Shinoda.
Now it was time for everyone to make a decision, myself included. I decided to stay where I was. I am writing this from my room in Peoria, Arizona. as baseball decides how to proceed when the threat is under control. I got a call from Reds' Media Relations chief, Rob Butcher, to inform me that a Reds' employee based in Arizona had tested positive for Covid 19. I went into quarantine for a full 15 days without symptoms. I am still symptom free and I thank the Reds for looking out for me and informing me of the possibility that I could have been exposed.
One of the scenarios that MLB is discussing along with the Players' Association is to play an abbreviated regular season with no fans present in the Phoenix area. It is a decision that keeps me in Arizona. Ohio and Kentucky is urging all but essential personnel to stay home and maintain a safe distance. I will consider coming home when that order is rescinded or MLB decides against the option to stage games in Phoenix.
