There’s one question lingering in this writer’s mind regarding Major League Baseball’s ongoing lockout. When does this shift from being convenient to inconvenient for franchise owners?

For Cincinnati Reds’ owner Bob Castellini, that shift might come earlier compared to his fellow franchise owners. Consider where the Reds are as a franchise heading into March. Before the lockout began last December, the Reds were engaging in the latest round of payroll shedding. Trading Gold Glove-winning catcher Tucker Barnhart for a prospect and waiving pitcher Wade Miley. 2021 All-Star Outfielder Nick Castellanos was taking stock of his options. After opting out of his contract last November. All leaving the Reds’ status as contenders in an uncertain spot.

Then the lockout began, formally bringing free agency to a halt. The hot stove was swapped out for a freezer. With that in mind, the lockout became convenient for Reds’ ownership. They’re able to fend off the Castellanos free agency frenzy for now. While temporarily fending off concerns that the Reds’ window to contend is closing. Castellanos’ options are currently limited; he might be inclined to stay in Cincinnati. Partly because of the last three months in Cincinnati sports.

Castellanos could be a pivotal part of a team that keeps Cincinnati’s good times rolling. Thanks to having a team that still holds genuine potential of being a contender. Being a leading player for a contender in a baseball-crazed city holds more appeal; compared to being just another player on an iffy big market team. The Reds have the chance to ride a wave of momentum into their season. After Cincinnati Bearcat Football’s run to their first College Football Playoff appearance. Followed by the Cincinnati Bengals’ run to the Super Bowl. Having the lockout drag on could stall that momentum.

This shifts the lockout into increasingly being an inconvenience for Reds’ ownership. The calendar is beginning to work against the owners. From a national and local context, this lockout barely registered on the radar for the first two months. Locally, it was because of the Bearcats and Bengals. Few stories were able to knock those teams from being the top stories locally. Sports-wise, the NFL, Winter Olympics, college sports and other major leagues took up more attention nationally. With the NFL taking up the bulk of sports fans’ attention.

Now we’re getting to a point in time when sports fans’ focus typically begins to shift towards baseball. With March Madness to pre-occupy fans time during the lulls in between. We should be in the opening days of spring training. This weekend was supposed to be the start of Spring Training exhibition games. Instead, it’s talks and more talks with little signs of progress. The league is now vowing to cancel regular season games. If no deal is reached on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement by Monday.

After Opening Day in 2020 was delayed to July due COVID-19. Plus, COVID-19 prompting scaled down or scrapped Opening Day festivities last year. This year could be a return to normalcy Opening Day for fans. Unless it’s delayed by the ongoing lockout. For a team based in a city where Opening Day is an unofficial holiday. Another delayed Opening Day is the last thing Reds owners should want.

Opening Day evokes romantic symbolism for baseball fans and Cincinnati generally. Full of tradition, a sense of renewal through spring and hope for a good season. Even people who aren’t die hard baseball fans get caught up in Cincinnati’s Opening Day excitement. After the pandemic prompted the cancellation of two consecutive Findlay Market Opening Day Parades. Why would the Reds pass up the excitement that would emerge through the parade’s return?

People tend to not like traditions being messed with unless it’s for the greater good. Few would argue this particular lockout is serving the greater good. These aren’t minimum wage workers bargaining with a behemoth corporation. Over things like health care coverage, paid family leave and improving workplace conditions. These are many millionaire players negotiating with billionaire owners.

Unlike a strike, the owners are the ones in the driver’s seat here. If this lockout wears on, it will likely add to calls some fans were already making for Bob Castellini to sell the Reds. While doing little to attract casual fans to the ballpark once this lockout is resolved. The fans are another key factor in this lockout. Many Reds fans are eager for a day at Great American Ball Park this year. After COVID-19 robbed Reds fans of the chance to attend games in 2020. Leaving fans to watch a season that snapped Cincinnati’s MLB Postseason drought from afar. Along with a mostly exciting 2021 season for the team until their late season crash.

With COVID-19 cases falling and other local team’s successes. If the Reds have a hot start to their season. The Reds will be the talk of the Queen City this summer. Bringing about a corresponding financial windfall for the team. Through fans flocking in droves to Great American Ball Park or tuning in for games. Why would they want to risk thwarting the excitement swirling around?

Beyond the Reds, a long lockout could bite franchises even after it ends. Through the apathy of fans on one end and anger on another. Unless a team gets on a hot streak, fans might not flock back to the ballpark. Especially in an age where people have more entertainment options than ever. A longer running lockout could hurt baseball nationally. Through alienating lifelong and casual fans alike. While undercutting the buzz surrounding the Reds and other promising teams.