Random Thoughts: OHSAA, MLB and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Random Thoughts center around the events of the past several days, a pending press conference by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, Major League Baseball, the NFL, the Cleveland Browns and upcoming coverage on the VW independent Sports page.

Surreal feeling

Surreal feeling – that’s the best way I can describe the events of the past week or so.

If you’re a sports fan, the unthinkable happened with the cancelation of virtually every U.S. sport, from the high school level all the way to the highest level of professional leagues.

There’s no sign that any of the affected sports will resume any time soon, but time will tell.

Bad feeling

Ohio High School Athletic Association Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass has scheduled a press conference for noon on Thursday. According to a press release, Snodgrass will provide updates and information on the OHSAA’s winter tournaments that were postponed indefinitely last Thursday, along with updates on spring sports. He will also take questions from media.

I don’t think this bodes well for winter sports tournaments and at this very moment, I’m not feeling confident about spring sports. In fact, things are changing so fast I’m surprised he’s waiting until Thursday to address the media. I won’t be shocked if the press conference is moved up.

MLB

It’s really hard to find a silver lining in the postponement of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, but if there is one, it’s the fact they won’t be starting when it could be snowing in certain cities.

March 26 is too early to start the season, period.

NFL

The NFL’s annual free agent signing period officially begins on Wednesday, although some teams have agreed to deals with available players.

Given the current circumstances, some people have been critical of the NFL’s decision to proceed with the free agent signing period.

While I understand those feelings, I disagree. As sports fans, this helps bring a sense of normalcy, even if we’re hearing about astronomical dollars being thrown at these players.

NFL Draft

At least for now, the NFL Draft will go on as scheduled April 23-25. However, all of the hoopla and events scheduled to take place in Las Vegas have been canceled.

Regardless if COVID-19 forces a complete rescheduling of the draft, look for this year’s event to be bare bones.

NFL PR machine

You have to hand it to the NFL – in a time when the sports word is all but closed for the business, the league keeps cranking out headlines with a new collective bargaining agreement, free agency and the draft.

The PR department is truly a machine.

Cleveland Browns

Being a Browns fan, I’m happy with the deals reached with free agent tight end Austin Hooper, offensive lineman Jack Conklin and quarterback Case Keenum.

Hooper is one of the very best in the game, Conklin is more than solid and will fill one of the tackle spots, an upgrade that’s desperately needed. Keenum is a very solid addition as a backup quarterback.

VW independent sports coverage

In the absence of local sports, you’ll see a lot more feature stories on the VW independent Sports page and perhaps some other fun features.

Of course, if you have a suggestion or something or someone you’d like to see featured, simply drop an email to sports@thevwindependent.com.