As we continue to endure the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the major sports in the United States (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) all remain sidelined. Still, there are already plans for the NBA and NHL to resume, and there is optimism that the NFL will begin on time.
That leaves just Major League Baseball, but it appears that we might be getting close to a resolution on that sport as well. Let’s take a look at some of the major news stories from around the sporting world this week.
Baseball Could Be Coming To A Stadium Near You
It has been three months since Major League Baseball players were in spring training preparing for the season, but it appears they may be returning sooner than later.
No, a deal was not struck between the league and the Players Association yet, but that has left an alternative open for a resumption of play. Basically, stemming back from their March agreement that discussed a prorated payment schedule for the players, the commissioner was granted permission to set a season’s length as long as the proration was still in effect.
With no deal struck between the players and league, it appears that commissioner Rob Manfred is using that power and instituting a 60-game season. Granted, the Players Association and league still have to come to an agreement on health protocols in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Still, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the union is likely to approve of the measures and get back to baseball.
If that is the case, spring training will get underway within a couple of weeks, and the season will likely get going by the end of July.
With hopes high for a return to baseball, it is worth revisiting the future betting odds on the 2020 World Series winner. Atop the list at +325 are the Los Angeles Dodgers who, with the addition of Mookie Betts, will look to get over the hump and reclaim the World Series title that has eluded them over the last several years.
In addition to the Dodgers, the other favorites are as follows:
- New York Yankees +350
- Houston Astros +800
- Atlanta Braves +1200
- Minnesota Twins +1600
Keep in mind, though, that in a shortened season, anything can happen. While the cream usually starts rising to the top by that point, it is worth noting that last year’s champions, the Washington Nationals, would not have made the playoffs if the regular season had just been 60 games.
If a season is a go, buckle up because it could be a rollercoaster of a season.
Cowboys Re-Sign Their Man For This Season
While Dak Prescott still has yet to work out a long-term deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the two sides did agree to a new one-year deal on Monday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys will give Dak Prescott $31.4 million under the franchise tag for the 2020 season.
The two sides are still hammering out a longer deal, which is likely to be completed eventually, but Cowboys fans can feel at ease knowing that they have their quarterback back under center for at least the upcoming season.
Last year, Prescott went 8-8 in 16 games, throwing for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed 52 times for 277 yards and another three scores.
At 26 (he will turn 27 at the end of July), the Cowboys see Prescott as their franchise quarterback of the future and hope that he can return them to a Super Bowl championship.
Despite a .500 season last year, the Cowboys are seen as a strong bet for a possible Super Bowl title as they come in at +1700. In fact, only five teams (the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) are seen as stronger favorites.
It might be a bold task for the Cowboys, but with Prescott back under center (and a capable Andy Dalton behind him on the depth chart), it is a good start if you are a Dallas fan.