Rob Manfred, MLB. (Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
MLB players were very vocal against Rob Manfred and owners during the lockout, so you can understand their relief that it was finally over.
The likes of Marcus Stroman, Jack Flaherty, and even Mike Trout have spoken out about Manfred and the owners’ lack of negotiating prowess during the lockout, but it’s finally time to put all that behind us, right?
Not so fast. While there’s bound to be some sarcasm, the overall feeling is a positive one — it’s time to get back to baseball.
Neither side is as happy as the respective fanbases, which have been held hostage while players and owners discuss financials, rule changes and playoff formats. It’s exhausting, so we’re thrilled to finally receive some optimism and focus on the season at hand.
MLB lockout: Players react to lockout ending
Euphoria. That’s undoubtedly the main emotion expressed by the MLBPA and its representatives.
While it’s tough to consider missing games a positive outcome for either side, at least players and owners were able to salvage some of the season. It’s better than nothing, no?
Manfred previously expressed that missing any regular season games would be an abstract failure on his part. The two sides met in Florida for a week straight, only to fail to reach a deal. Thus, Manfred failed.
An even worse look would have been canceling the season altogether, a feat MLB was able to thankfully avoid. Baseball is already a suffering sport, as the age of the average MLB fan continues to climb. It could not afford a lost campaign. Period.
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