The next-best thing to colera?
A roundabout way to say that I picked up the baseball preview issue of Sports Illustrated, now in its new iteration (Dated “Spring 2020”).
Of course, I realize that this is no longer a weekly publication, let alone a website that’s constantly updated. And to be fair, I don’t know when exactly it hit the stores, although I do know it wasn’t available at my usually haunt last week.
So guess what? There’s not a single mention of the issue that’s cast a pall over the entire globe. It’s as if SI believed opening day will take place as scheduled.
The magazine is divided basically into three sections, not counting the opening essay, “What’s Old is New Again,” by Jack Dickey. (It’s actually grimly amusing; that title could apply to the current health situation as well, with its constant comparison to the influenza pandemic of 1918.)
So we have a recap of the 2019 season; a look at “20 for the ’20s,” ballplayers who are expected to make an impact over the next decade, as well as various issues facing the sport; and finally, the “Scouting Report” of all 30 teams with an optimistic look at what some of these players and teams might look like in 2030. Example, this about the Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman:
Entering his 15th season, Bregman remains baseball’s version of a pro-wrestling heel. Soon enough, the Cooperstown electorate will decide whether to give the 11-time All-Star a pass for the sign-stealing scandal. [Pete Rose’s unexpected 2025 induction is a bullish indicator…]…”
I don’t think Nostradamus has anything to worrying about. Let’s hope we’re around in to years to make SI eat its words. Assuming they’ll still be in business by then.
Be well, be safe, and wash those hands!
is available on Amazon.com,
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