MLB would not be the one professional league that has a shortened season in 2021 — the NBA and NHL both are enjoying fewer regular-season games than traditional. But that also comes with a giant caveat in that these two leagues had the 2019–2020 seasons end much later than traditional whereas MLB’s 2020 season finished on time. The proposal would move the beginning of spring coaching again to late March proper as many players have made or are ending preparations on housing in Arizona and Florida. The provide also conveniently comes right after Cactus League officers made public a request to delay spring coaching because of a surge in circumstances throughout Arizona — a letter that was later reported to have been inspired by Major League Baseball itself. The IOC and Tokyo 2020 have released the first of four “playbooks” with preliminary details of the COVID-mitigation plan, spelling out what might be required of international federation representatives and technical officials, together with judges and referees, through the Games. While playbooks for athletes, broadcast media and accredited press will be released in coming days, the IF playbook is predicted to be a sign of what the IOC will require for anyone touring to Tokyo.