Chicago Cubs: Yu Darvish thinks Cubs fans hate him
By David Hill
After struggling with effectiveness and injuries to start the season, Yu Darvish feels that Chicago Cubs fans already hate him.
It has been a tumultuous twelve months for Yu Darvish. After spending his first five and a half years with the Texas Rangers, he was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline. He flourished for the Dodgers in the postseason, until he ran into the Astros during the World Series. Given the ball for Game Seven, Darvish took the loss, as he lost both of his appearances, allowing nine runs and 11 baserunners in 3.2 innings.
A free agent for the first time, he eventually landed that long term deal he desired, inking a six year contract worth $124 million with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have become perennial postseason contenders, allowing the possibility that Darvish could get a chance to make up for his World Series struggles. Given his lifetime 3.42 ERA, 1.179 WHiP, and 1021 strikeouts in 832.1 innings heading into 2018, he appeared to be the perfect replacement for Jake Arrieta.
However, things have not gone as planned. Darvish has struggled with inconsistency while spending time on the disabled list, sidelined with triceps tendinitis after he was disabled due to a bout with the flu. Given those issues, Darvish thinks that, just two months into his first season with Chicago, Cubs fans hate him, at least according to catcher Chris Gimenez.
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One can understand why Darvish would feel that way. Fans can be fairly brutal on social media, and Darvish has struggled when he has been on the mound. In his 40 innings, he has posted a 1-3 record, along with a 4.95 ERA and a 1.425 WHiP. Although he is still striking out over 11 batters per inning, with 49 strikeouts, Darvish has given up 21 walks, with his 4.7 BB/9 the worst mark of his career.
In theory, Darvish will be better. Once he settles in to Chicago, he can get back to being the pitcher he has been over his career. With the numerous weather delays, stints on the disabled list, and a relatively late signing, it is not a surprise that Darvish has struggled thus far.
However, those struggles, and the reaction from the fans, may well be in Darvish’s head. While everyone wants the players to care, there is such a thing as caring too much of how the fans think. As much as Darvish wants to be loved, he would be better suited by focusing on what is under his control. That would include his return to the mound, potentially with his close friend and confidant Gimenez behind the plate.
Yu Darvish thinks that Chicago Cubs fans hate him. All he needs is a few strong starts, and those boos will turn to chants of YUUUUUU!!!