For awhile the 2020 seemed died, but the when and where has now been figured out by the MLBPA and the MLB owners. On July 1 players will report for spring training part II in their respective cities. The regular season sprint of 60 games in 66 days will begin July 23.

In a game driven by statistics and history, this could mess with some of the numbers and awards. In 2020, a normal hot start will instead be a good season. Cody Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP, slashed .370/.456/.721 in his first 60 games. The right fielder finished his 2019 campaign hitting .305/.406/.629. Austin Meadows of the Tampa Bay Rays hit .349/.424/.645 during the team’s first 60 games . Meadows led the American League in wOBA. His sophomore ended with a solid but regressed .291/.364/.558. A player could have a breakout season.

Here is what the playoffs would have looked like if last season stopped at 60 games.

American League

1) Minnesota Twins (40-20)

4) Wild Card Game winner: Boston Red Sox (31-29) at Tampa Bay Rays (37-23)

2) Houston Astros (40-20)

3) New York Yankees (38-22)

National League

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (41-19) vs. *Wild Card Game winner

2. Winner: Chicago Cubs (34-26) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (34-26) 3. Winner:Atlanta Braves (33-27) Philadelphia Phillies ( 33-27)

* Wild Card game loser of NL Central game vs. loser of NL East game.

For simplicity, the tie breaker for seeding was head-to-head for the entire season.

In a 60 game season, the Washington National would not have made the postseason. Washington had an improbable run, going 46-27 during the second half of the season, winning the wild card game with a blown save from Josh Hader, beating the dominate Dodgers in five games, and defeating the Astros by winning all the road games. A remarkable run that does not happen every year.

The baseball season may not be a fair representation of a complete season, but think of it as a special tournament. Perhaps like a World Cup or an Olympics. It is likely not going to feel the same but if the players are into the games and want to win, then the fans will follow suit.

It’s unknown how we will look back on this season, but let’s hope that it’s competitive and filled with fun moments. As MLB floats out the idea of expanding the season the day of the first regular season game and the Toronto Blue Jays currently not having a home stadium, fans are going to have to be flexible and roll with the uncertainty.

The good news is that there will be an urgency to these games that MLB sometimes lacks. The stakes are higher for each game and not as many teams will be out of the race during September. This season will be quite the adventure. Wherever it goes, do your the best to enjoy the ride.