This is actually kinda cool. You can virtually effect the fake, piped in crowd noise of MLB games for all 2020 games, with an app. From my understanding the fake crowd noise is coming from an MLB video game that stadium crews will manipulate in real time. FOX is also doing digital crowds too, which I think is a step too far, but may be cool as well.

Basically you can use the MLB app, website or even social media to virtually Boo, Cheer or Clap during the game, chose which team you are reacting to, and the stadium can use a % of that info to adjust the fake crowd noise volumes and type of crowd noise they use. Looks like they even have emojis built in; not sure how that will translate in real time with the live game.

New MLB app feature lets fans remotely send cheers, jeers into empty stadiums

Major League Baseball is launching a feature on Opening Day that will allow fans to interact with their team's games on its website, Gameday app and through social media links. Scoreboard operators at ballparks will receive a live interface reflecting fan reaction, allowing the operator to adjust the type of artificial fan noise pumped to empty stadiums.

"We actually aren't supplying the boo sounds at all, so it solves a problem there," said Chris Marinak, executive vice president of strategy, technology and innovation for MLB. "We're only supplying the teams with background noise, different types of cheering and anticipation sounds, but there is no actual booing that we're providing. In the event that there is a lot of booing, it would just be ratcheted down to be very quiet."

So booing won't translate into Boos exactly, but it will just make it more quiet.

Still pretty clever.

Source: NFL shortens preseason to just two weeks as league continues to plot its 2020 strategy

He gets a 1 year deal because he is injury prone. Even if he is at 100% of where he was when he was an MVP, he will always be at more risk of injury than others. Unless Bill really turns him into more of a pocket passer. And that's never really been Cam's strong suit. I think the Pats blew their wad on their defense and went cheap at QB so they didn't have to tank the season, hoping that Cam is 75% as good as he used to be at his former peak, that he remains relatively healthy for a full season, and that their running game and D can win them into the playoffs. Wouldn't be a bit surprised if that's what ends up happening.

Would 10-6 surprise anyone, and a playoff spot at least as a wildcard, if not the division winner?

They were found guilty and fined a 2021 3rd round pick and $1.1 million. Where there is smoke, there is fire. Curious how the news of this punishment comes out the very day they also announce Cam Newton signing. And the whole sports world talks about Cam vs this story. Not saying its for sure timed this way intentionally, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. I mean, it is the Patriots.

New England Patriots fined $1.1 million for illegally videotaping the sideline during a game, source says

As this continues to escalate, Goodell has gone farther. Now he is saying he 'welcomes' teams to consider hiring Kaepernick. Quite an about face. Roger Goodell On Colin Kaepernick's Possible Return to NFL: 'I Welcome That'

Makes me wonder if Goodell is a good guy stuck in a bad situation on this issue the last few years and forced to tow company line OR if he is just saving face and changing course as the wind blows.

mlb.com/spring-training

Anyone know how MLB spring training works? Never really got into it and just a quick google sends me to this page from MLB. So what, they divide up the games between Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues? And divide them up further by locations? I'm confused. Was hoping to get an answer here before I went down an unnecessary rabbit hole..