The logistics of operating a truncated schedule, specifically ensuring players’ physical health, have received a lion’s share of the coverage when it comes to the 2020 season. Beyond the more obvious byproducts of playing in the middle of a pandemic in empty ballparks — fake crowd noise, expanded dugouts — is the toll it will take on mental health.
New Sun-Times Cubs beat writer Russell Dorsey talked with Cubs hitting coach Anthony Iapoce about how potential hitting slumps could be magnified during a 60-game season. Iapoce emphasized the importance of mental health and “checking in” with his hitters to really dig down into what might be affecting their performance at the plate.