Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training in three weeks, but does anyone seriously think it’s a good idea for camps to open on time in Arizona and Florida?
While COVID-19 cases are declining in all regions of the country, the situations in the states that host the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues hardly can be described as encouraging.
Arizona’s infection rate is the worst in the nation. Florida tied its state record for deaths from the disease on Friday. The current seven-day rolling averages of new cases in those states are significantly higher than the averages were during the 2020 regular season.
The NBA and NHL are playing in Florida and Arizona, albeit with limited or no fan presence, and high school sports are continuing in both states. The Super Bowl will be held in Tampa on Feb. 7, with Raymond James Stadium open to 22,000 fans, including 7,500 vaccinated health workers. The respective state governments likely would…
