Kyle Smedley is a freshman journalism and telecommunications major and writes for The Daily News. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) officially abolished the lockout March 10. After 99 days, baseball fans rejoice, we got our game back.
A new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has been agreed upon and teams will report to Spring Training imminently. Part of the major components of the deal include having a universal designated hitter, 12-team expanded postseason and six-pick draft lottery.
Although the agreement is not perfect, opening day is set for April 7. Baseball is back after 99 days.
It's important to acknowledge blame deserves to go both ways because another lockout could happen again.
The owners and MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, should make more compromises with the MLBPA. It is the responsibility of Manfred and the officials to ensure each season takes place on time and captures the most viewers possible.
Despite telling fans how much they wanted to play, players wouldn’t budge on their demands. Their demands were valid, but with so much time passing they should have compromised sooner.
While the usual offseason is full of trades and free-agent signings, this offseason has been different than in the past. With a lockout looming at the beginning of the offseason, multiple signings took place in a hurry and then 99 days of inactivity. The lockout drove away casual baseball fans because the offseason is an exciting time to be a sports fan.
The lockout is over and players are required to report to spring training by March 13. Players will sign fast and in droves.
I can’t wait.
Fans can return to watching Angels’ pitcher/outfielder Shohei Ohtani and outfielder Mike Trout, Reds shortstop Jonathon India and Nationals outfielder Juan Soto.
I want to skip spring training.
It was a painful process for the owners, players and fans but the lockout is over and baseball is back. The new CBA fits all sides and it feels like both sides don’t want something like this happening again.
As long as the season goes smoothly and there isn’t a rift between the MLB and MLBPA, baseball is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Instead of 99 days, I'm focused on 27 days. We are 27 days away from opening day.
Contact Kyle Smedley with comments at kyle.smedley@bsu.edu or on Twitter @smedley193.
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