Lots of people thought Yu Darvish was unhappy with Masahiro Tanaka's contract.
Lots of people thought Yu Darvish was unhappy with Masahiro Tanaka's contract. (USATSI)

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Two offseasons ago, the Rangers signed right-hander Yu Darvish to a six-year, $56 million contract after winning his rights through the posting process. This offseason, the Yankees signed right-hander Masahiro Tanaka to a seven-year, $155 million contract even though he is considered an inferior pitcher to Darvish.

The revamped posting system as well as a lack of high-end free agent pitchers led to Tanaka getting that massive contract, nearly three times what Texas gave Darvish. Things have changed over the years, that's life. On Tuesday, Darvish discussed Tanaka coming over to MLB with reporters.

Naturally, that quote generated some buzz because everyone thought Darvish was saying Tanaka isn't worth the money. Sarcasm doesn't come across Twitter well and since only a small number of people actually heard Darvish say what he said, no one really knew he was joking. Here's the statement Darvish released this afternoon:

"I am sorry if anyone took my comment seriously about Masahiro Tanaka at the press conference today. I assumed by the reaction in the room that everyone knew I was joking."

So lol j/k, basically. Works for me. Another non-story story avoided!