Let’s not lose sight of the numbers. All the talk about being the first sport back for the good of America and a July 4 ideal opening date proved to be just BS. However, if they had started on July 4, they could have played a three-month season instead of two, and still ended on time. 80-90 games would have been far more legitimate and satisfying for all – except the owners.
There is no indication health approvals would have stopped them from starting the season this weekend. The delay was caused by the owners stalling, submitting variations of the same proposal that they knew the players would reject. If the players had folded on the money, however, MLB would have played sooner.
The simple truth is that the owners did not want to play 80-90 games with the financials decided in March. That is their right, but let’s not make excuses for why they decided 60. It was financial, not COVID.
Update: Just to be clear, I mean 80-90 games vs. 60 games in the normal calendar. The owners did have a COVID reason (as well as a TV network objection) to be against extending the season. At one point, the players were reportedly willing to play deeper into the fall. The owners had the right to reject that idea.
Another earlier idea of playing more games in fewer days by scheduling doubleheaders was also reportedly opposed by owners. The reason I heard was fear of fatigue and injury, but it appears to me that the real issue is the player salary for the additional games. Again, an ownership call, but the supposed reason is what I question.