IAN DESMOND

FILE - In this March 18, 2016, file photo, fans at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick watch a spring training baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Scottsdale, Ariz. PHOENIX – Even during a pandemic, the appetite to sit in the sun and watch Major League Baseball spring training appears robust. The two teams open their spring training schedule against each other next Sunday. Spring training facilities across Arizona and Florida have been making their own decisions about how many fans — if any — are allowed to attend games. “Not just Diamondbacks fans but I think baseball fans throughout the entire United States.

Colorado Rockies' Ian Desmond during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, in Mesa, Ariz. Desmond announced Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 he is opting out for a second straight season. (AP Photo/Matt York, file)DENVER – Ian Desmond provided a calming voice to help the Colorado Rockies stick together soon after losing star third baseman Nolan Arenado in a blockbuster trade. Desmond decided Sunday to opt out for a second straight season. He’s going to assess what’s going on and maybe his feelings in a month, two months, two weeks, two days ... “Desi and I had great conversations over the years, probably more so about other things besides just the nuts and bolts of baseball,” Black said.

FILE - In this Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, file photo, Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado warms up before a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)DENVER – Nolan Arenado hasn't expressed this much optimism since signing his $260 million contract with Colorado two years ago. Ad“They really care about winning,” Arenado said of the Cardinals. He wanted to move on.”The Cardinals acquired Arenado for what some considered a steal: left-hander Austin Gomber and four minor leaguers. Ad“I’m going to miss some of the boys on the Rockies," Arenado said.

The steady stream of players testing positive and opting out is leading to a growing unease that the full season might not be played. Theres a ton of players out there quoted saying this, but it almost feels like youre waiting on bad news, right? Youre waiting for travel restrictions to be shut down across the nation. Youre waiting for a second wave, where things become unplayable and sports take a backseat. MLB said it addressed delays caused by the holiday weekend, doesnt expect them to continue and commended teams for canceling workouts.

ATLANTA Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season on Monday due to increased concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Markakis is the second Atlanta veteran in two days to announce plans to sit out the 60-game season. Just hearing him, the way he sounded on the phone, it was tough, Markakis said. Braves first base coach Eric Young Sr. also will sit out the season. Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall were joined by rookies Cristian Pache and Drew Waters in the outfield competition.

DENVER Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich says he supports Ian Desmonds decision to sit out the 2020 season to focus on his young family and help rejuvenate youth baseball in his hometown in Florida. He is owed $8 million next year, and his deal includes a $15 million team option for 2022 with a $2 million buyout. Ian is extremely thoughtful in what he does, hes thoughtful in how he prepares as a professional athlete, hes thoughtful as a husband and a father ... hes thoughtful about things that are bigger than him, Bridich said. He wrote how they looked run down and neglected, and how important youth baseball was for him growing up. Desmond said he wants to help Sarasota Youth Baseball get back on track.