Chicago Cubs: Yu Darvish and MLB players finally disappoint fans

Much of America has opened up – like it or not. Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish contends it isn’t safe to play, and he’s taking all the risk.

Its Memorial Day weekend, when, according to Google, we honor the men and women who died while serving in the military. This year I would go a step beyond and say we are honoring those who have given their lives on the front line fighting this pandemic. Because of their sacrifice, America is beginning to heal and get back to work, except Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish and the rest of MLB.

Fans have grown to love Darvish this past season. Darvish was cast as one of those dudes from L.A. and never got a fair shake with the media until last season’s fantastic performance. Fans were beginning to come around, and by the time the season ended, Darvish had gained a lot of fans and followers on social media.  Overnight, Darvish had become a Chicago Cubs celebrity.

Fans want baseball back so badly they’re almost ready to be ‘Scab players’ so America can get back to the ballpark. Recent comments made by Darvish are pretty clear that the pitcher sees playing a game this season the same as risking his life. Amid America opening back up for business, is the multi-million dollar Cubs hurler exaggerating just a bit?

Chicago Cubs: Getting the royal treatment isn’t enough

If any of the MLB players were true patriots, they would be playing already and donating their ‘share’ to the families who lost someone during this virus. Instead of doing something positive during this time, players are hiding behind their agents and blaming the virus and safety.

Some have decided to donate money, masks, and gloves, but you know what? I think America is beyond that stuff right now; fans need players to do their jobs and get on the field.

Darvish recently wrote on his Twitter account as reported by Japan Times:

“I think it’s basically the same as treating MLB players like fighting dogs…those who are not at risk, who want to make money are causing a big fuss from the outside,” Darvish wrote. “In reality, it is the players and the staff at the games who by competing put themselves and their families at risk. The players and field staff actually fight at the expense of themselves and their families.”

Don’t you think that’s a little silly to say now? Maybe a month ago, that would have been a valid excuse, but now?

Darvish, you are the Prince of the city of Chicago; people are going to be shuttling you around. You and your family are going to get the best tests available. Everything and every place you go is going to be super-sanitized for fear of the virus. Everything you eat is going to be highly clean and of the best quality. Who are you kidding? You will be treated better once you start playing then you are now!

Now MLB says there will be no fans in the stadium either! How are you fighting for your life, and you are the family’s lives when no one is in the stands? It’s almost like getting the royal treatment isn’t enough for any of the MLB players.

Chicago Cubs: Korean baseball is honorable and shaming MLB players

Whether you agree or not, America has opened up on many levels. At some point, you can’t sit in the closet when the rest of America is working every day and say it’s too dangerous for me. That excuse is only going to last until the first player takes the field, and in places like Korea, they are making fools of American baseball players.

These guys in Korea aren’t even making close to what MLB players are making, and they are out there doing what they love and giving back to their country, people and the whole world. It may be America’s favorite pastime, but Korea is showing what true love for this ‘American’ sport is. MLB players have the chance to make a difference but are listening to their agents who won’t let them play ball.

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“What if you get hurt during this short season? You ‘ll be screwed,” is the typical line from agents and not much more is needed.

Like mindless pawns being led about by purse strings, MLB players will sit in the proverbial ‘dugout’ and watch America open up. People will be going to concerts, plays, movies, and maybe they will figure out safety measures so fans could attend golf tournaments and more. MLB players will sit and pout with their agents all summer until the National Football League begins their games in August.

At that point (August), you may finally see enough shame that MLB will come back for a month or two. Perhaps I’m giving MLB players more credit than they deserve, they may still be ‘too scared’ to return.

When everything’s open, and you’re still closed, fans begin to wonder about the actual character and quality of our American and National Leagues? Maybe it’s too much honor for them to even use those names (American and National) for their league.

Of course, if we don’t see baseball this season, then I hope every player doesn’t see one red cent of their salary either if they can’t find it in their souls to play the greatest game in the world, during a historical crisis, for less money? Than they don’t deserve the honor to play professional ball for America.

If you’re scared, say you’re scared.

The honesty would be refreshing, and then maybe we can get on with it as heroes do.