Pardon my cynicism, but with all the rules and protocols put into place in order for Major League Baseball to return, I wouldn’t be surprised if the players’ union decided it’s more hassle than what it’s worth, and that could doom the entire season from ever taking place.

Major League Baseball clubs contend that playing even an 82-game season in empty ballparks, would cause the teams to lose an average of $640,000 per game, based on the players’ prorated salaries, and would give major league players 89% of the revenue.

The teams contend they lose more money with each additional game played. The players’ union, however, believes clubs would lose less money with more games, because many teams or their owners have stakes in their regional sports network that would benefit from additional games.

Early last week, the owners voted to propose salaries be based on a 50-50 split of revenue; a proposal players say is the kind of salary cap they will never accept.

On top of that, MLB headquarters sent to the players’ union a 67-page draft of Major League Baseball’s proposed 2020 Operations Manual. A copy was sent to teams Friday and obtained by The Associated Press. In this manual, safety protocols are outlined in order to not expose or spread the coronavirus among teams and their staff, however, MLB said that all the points of the safety protocols could change based on feedback from players and government officials.

As it stands, some of the measures to be taken include; the exchange of lineup cards would be eliminated, high-fives, fist bumps, and bat/ball boys and girls would not be allowed. Spitting will be prohibited along with water jugs, the use of saunas, steam rooms, pools and cryotherapy chambers. Hitting in indoor cages is discouraged, batting gloves are encouraged.

Batting practice pitchers are to wear masks, dugout telephones will be disinfected after each use. Players may not touch their face to give signs, and they’re not allowed to lick their fingers.

Since MLB is proposing to expand big league rosters to 50 players, seats in the empty stands near the dugout would be used for players to maintain distance, and the next day’s starting pitcher would not be allowed to sit in the dugout. Managers and coaches must wear masks while in the dugouts. The entire traveling party, including players, must wear personal protective equipment while on buses and flights, and restaurants would be off limits on the road, including the ones in hotels.

“Showering in club facilities should be discouraged,” the plan says. “To the extent showering occurs, clubs should explore modifications to facilities to allow for physical distancing and hygiene.”

In addition, teams “should consider requiring [players and coaches] to arrive at club facilities dressed for the day’s activities in order to limit time spent in the clubhouse or locker room.”

Are you seeing why this may be more hassle than what it’s worth?

For baseball players, spitting, licking their fingers, giving a high-five or patting someone on the rear end, is ingrained and second nature. What happens if in the excitement of the moment, someone forgets and does one of the unthinkable acts? Will the player be ejected from the game, or will he face a fine and suspension? Maybe he’ll be tested for the coronavirus on the spot.

I believe we all need to be smart about this and use some caution. We should protect ourselves and others, especially those who are most vulnerable to any illness, not just COVID-19. However, some common sense needs to be employed, as well. If it’s safe for the players to leave their homes, where who knows whom may be contaminated with the coronavirus, and join his teammates in the clubhouse or dugout, then does that mean that all family members will need to be tested on a regular basis, or will players be required to live alone?

If a major league umpire goes grocery shopping with his wife, what if he’s exposed to the virus and then goes to the ballpark that evening?

If it’s August, and a manager has kids who have gone back to school, does he need to distance himself from his family, so he doesn’t spread anything to his fellow coaches and players?

Sure, you can keep fans out of the ballparks, but you can’t keep players and team personnel from ever coming in contact with anyone outside of the baseball organization. That’s simply impossible, so why bother?