Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman led the way as MLB players went after Rob Manfred and the baseball owners for canceling Opening Day.
The MLB players union and owners couldn’t come to an agreement on a new CBA on Tuesday, which resulted in commissioner Rob Manfred officially canceling games for the 2022 season.
The first two series of the campaign will not go forward and players will not be paid for them. More cancelations could follow if the MLB lockout stretches on too much longer.
Many players aired their frustrations on social media, including new Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman.
Marcus Stroman called for Rob Manfred to be ousted as MLB commissioner
Stroman said out loud what many have been thinking: “Manfred gotta go.”
Manfred gotta go.
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) March 1, 2022
That wasn’t all. He ripped off a series of tweets going after Manfred while retweeting countless fans and media members also critical of the commissioner.
Manclown. https://t.co/EbnJx48LZl
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) March 1, 2022
“FANS…this man doesn’t care about any of y’all. Don’t get it twisted. The players are ready to perform, compete, and interact with all of you! However, Manfred has been ruining our game while playing puppet boy to the owners. That’s a fact. We remain ready and anxious to play!” Stroman tweeted.
FANS…this man doesn’t care about any of y’all. Don’t get it twisted. The players are ready to perform, compete, and interact with all of you! However, Manfred has been ruining our game while playing puppet boy to the owners. That’s a fact. We remain ready and anxious to play! 🗣 https://t.co/M9x6LBdBlv
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) March 1, 2022
Stroman was far from the only MLB player, past or present, to vocally express frustration or disappointment in the way negotiations proceeded on Tuesday.
— Jonathan India (@JonathanIndia) March 1, 2022
Wish MLB would use some of their PR tactics to promote the stars in our game! pic.twitter.com/Iktd7PqReh
— Kevin Pillar (@KPILLAR4) March 1, 2022
— Dontrelle Willis (@DTrainMLB) March 1, 2022
Painful
— Dontrelle Willis (@DTrainMLB) March 1, 2022
— Tyler Stephenson (@Tyler_Step22) March 1, 2022
https://t.co/n4EWwoIEnv pic.twitter.com/j2HIpU4vBt
— Brett Anderson (@_BAnderson30_) March 1, 2022
Asked a player for his reaction to Rob Manfred laughing after postponing the start of the regular season: “Are you talking about the guy who cut 42 minor-league teams and called the World Series trophy a hunk of metal?”
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 1, 2022
One player leader called the league’s proposal, “a slap in the face,” saying owners want players to lose pay. https://t.co/8TJy8drHwC
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 1, 2022
Red pitcher Amir Garrett was hopeful of baseball’s return, thanks to his young daughter.
You heard it from the princess. Baseball will be back. Excuse the drool we just ate some apples.. pic.twitter.com/VO6iFoSQEa
— CountOnAG (@Amir_Garrett) March 1, 2022
Meanwhile, Adam Wainwright also helped put smiles back on faces with his son and a game of catch.
Caleb and I will be ready whenever the call comes. Hope this brings a smile to some who might be disappointed right now. Baseball is still awesome. Was watching little league yesterday. Awesome! Been practicing with high school kids. Awesome! Baseball isn't the problem. pic.twitter.com/uzJNUacEaV
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) March 1, 2022
The lockout has been frustrating for just about everyone. Unfortunately, everyone will have to wait a while longer to send off celebratory tweets about the lockout ending.