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Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Ross Stripling has mixed feelings about a reported plan by Major League Baseball that would have teams play in only Arizona, Florida, and Texas to start the season.
The idea came weeks after MLB and the MLBPA were reportedly focused on a plan that would have the season begin only in Arizona with no fans in attendance. It also involved players isolating themselves during the campaign.
"As far as the new (plan), I think it's doable," Stripling said on the "Fantasy Baseball Today Podcast." "I think it makes more sense than that initial proposal of everyone going to Arizona. But it still seems a little far-fetched."
One of the issues with the most recent reported plan - as was also the case with the initial Arizona idea - is that players don't want to be away from their families for the duration of the season. Stars Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout both expressed their concern with the concept.
"When you start talking to baseball players and staff and telling them, 'You know, you're gonna be away from your family for possibly months.' You know, guys are going to struggle with that," Stripling added.
The Dodgers hurler said he understands the concerns of his peers but also that he'd be willing to move forward with the three-state plan if it meant the season would begin.
"At the end of day, that's what we have to do to play baseball. I'm sure most guys would get on board with it," he said. "At first, I was super back and forth, and now, well into April, I'm getting a little stir crazy. And if that's what it takes to get baseball back, I'm certainly on board."
