Team adjusting to new rules at Comerica
There is no denying the game has changed.
The Detroit Tigers began Spring Training 2.0 on Friday with the club’s first on-field workout at Comerica Park and with plenty of precautions in place in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s really different,” Tigers outfielder Jacoby Jones said.
“It’s kind of weird, actually. Not being able to shake hands and just get close and talk to people and goof around.
“It was fun being back on the field and trying to get back in the groove again. It’s kind of weird just the social distancing thing and wearing a mask in the clubhouse.”
The first full workout for all 60 players invited isn’t until Monday. Friday’s sessions were for pitchers and catchers, with select players taking part, and Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire admitted there are challenges.
“We’re still working it,” said Gardenhire, who said quality control coach Josh Paul has been put in charge of setting up a schedule. “Josh has done a fantastic job of getting with the other coaches and trying to figure out how to get this thing through on one field. That’s probably the toughest thing.
“Sixty guys and trying to figure out all the logistics. The greatest thing about baseball is you can make adjustments on the fly. We’re going to have to continue to do that on and off the field.”
On Friday, the toughest part was only having three pitching mounds available due to distancing protocols.
“It’s a work in progress,” Gardenhire said. “We’re trying to get it all straightened out. We’re trying to talk to Major League Baseball. We’re going to get it done where we can use both the visiting bullpen mound rubbers and the home during these workouts. It’ll really expedite things and right now we’re just all getting started and trying to figure it out and see what we can and can’t do.”
It was not unusual to see someone wearing a mask on the field on Friday, but players say it’s a small price.
“It was pretty weird,” Tigers right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer said. “I think it’s even more weird in the clubhouse where we are all wearing masks.
“Outside, it wasn’t bad. Everyone’s got their little camouflage sack of baseballs that we use and make sure we’re staying six feet apart. There’s X’s in the dugout where we can and can’t stand. You have to come down the field one way and back off the field another way. So, it’s going to definitely take some getting used to, but as long as we’re playing baseball I can follow about anything.”
Gardenhire said everyone is aware of the risks and trying to protect those involved at the park and away from it is as much a goal as playing the game.
“We’ve all got to adhere to the protocols,” Gardenhire said. “Everything they’re telling us about away from the field. You’ve got to take care of yourself. You’ve got to wear your mask. Stay away from big crowds.
“There’s a lot of people involved in this clubhouse. Not only just the team itself, but our bosses and the clubhouse kids. Do the right thing and make sure that when you’re away from the field, you’re doing the right thing and taking care so you don’t bring back and harm somebody else. I think our guys understand that. We’re pounding it into their heads as much as we can and hopefully we’ll all do that the right way.”
With fewer than three weeks until the 60-game season gets underway, players say they have to maximize their time on the field to prepare for a season that will feel more like a sprint.
“No matter what you do, no matter how good a shape you think you’re in, baseball shape is way different,” Jones said. “Cutting, stopping, taking fly balls (and) ground balls is a lot different. It’s going to take some getting used to for a week or two and then everyone should be good.”