Cubs: Crane Kenney doesn’t know when the COVID-19 epidemic will end

Chicago Cubs’ executive Crane Kenney said the coronavirus would dictate when the 2020 baseball will begin.

Chicago Cubs’ executive Crane Kenney is honest–he doesn’t know when the coronavirus–or COVID-19– will last. And honestly? None of us do. The Cubs last week turned Wrigley Field into a satellite store for Lakeview Pantry, and the Zachary Hotel was opened to health care workers from Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center who need lodging while treating coronavirus patients.

Kenney implied the virus would let us know when the season starts, not the other way around. And you know what? He’s right about that. Rob Manfred can give an idea when the season begins. But it’s only an idea–not a plan. And definitely not Kenney.

"“The virus will tell us when the season starts, It won’t be the commissioner (Rob Manfred). It won’t be the players association. And it certainly won’t be me. The virus is going to tell us when we can play.”"

They are a baseball team. Then they are in the hospitality business. They are a public events business and then a restaurant business. And you know what? Absolutely decimated by this. All of it.

Kenney also said, ‘forget the business.’ He needs to know ‘people are safe.’ I’d agree with that. It’s all about the people who work for you and that they’re okay. And it’s the ‘people’ that forget that. Going from ‘job to job,’ completely forgetting who their out here for. And then ‘mass gatherings?’

"“Then you come back. OK, what does an operation that relies on mass gatherings look like when you can’t have mass gatherings?"

Also, President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein said David Ross had a ‘great spring training’ and are in good health, otherwise.

Ross thanked the players he’s talked with, and can’t wait until they get back to Wrigley Field. ‘The Compound’ would likely be a few of those guys. Ross hasn’t been a guest on the podcast, but it’s just a matter of time. I can see Ian Happ ‘twisting his arm’ to make sure he’s on the show.

Kenney, Epstein and Ross know it’s a crazy world we live in. But we take it day-by-day, waiting for the coronavirus to pass. It’s just a matter of time.