MLB restart likely to include quirky finishes, underdog contenders

NEW YORK (UPI) -- The 2020 MLB season will be unlike any other when it begins in July after a four-month delay. Quirky rules for extra innings will allow for new excitement, while a shorter season could make underdogs World Series contenders.
MLB team owners and players agreed this week to safety protocols for a resumed 2020 season after play was suspended during spring training in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 regular season will start July 23 or 24 and include just 60 games instead of the usual 162. Both the American League and National League will use the designated hitter position -- for an entire season -- for the first time.
One of the biggest rule changes will be that each half-inning after the ninth frame will begin with a runner on second base until a team wins. The rule changes should allow for speedier games and for streaky teams to contend for post-season spots.
Who could contend?
The New York Yankees led MLB with 60 wins at the 2019 All-Star break, 92 games into their season. New York went on to win the American League East, despite numerous injuries to its All-Star lineup. Other teams didn't fare so well in the second half.
The Boston Red Sox were 49-41 at the All-Star break last year but missed the playoffs. The Cleveland Indians had 50 wins through 88 games and also missed out on the post-season. The Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers didn't get to the post-season despite solid mid-season starts.

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