Are we kidding ourselves? "Fallow stadiums would not signal a return to normalcy as states reopen. They would confirm that we remain in a time of dire abnormality, undercutting the appeal of sports as escape and distraction. And they would raise an uncomfortable question: If it is unsafe for people to gather in the stands or in places like restaurants and parks, why is it acceptable to ask athletes to compete for our entertainment?"

Today's Gray Lady wonders if sports played in a vacuum tube will fill the void?

Jere Longman - who covered the infamous 2015 Orioles game, played before an empty stadium due to riots - warns that baseball without fans will be a troubling experience. Some memories of that day:

"Bullpen phones could be heard ringing more than 400 feet from the dugouts. And players could hear the voices of broadcasters while on the field... Balls leaving bats produced hollow echoes. No one scrambled to retrieve a home run or a foul ball and hand the souvenir to an excited child. The official attendance was announced as zero."

For whatever it's worth, I believe baseball must attempt a half-season, at least reopening camps and playing a few exhibition games. We should see if it can be done. But before plunging into a season, we must also decide if the results will be worth it. The worst thing that could happen would be to start - and then stop again.