The Dodgers have gone into damage control after star pitcher Zack Greinke controversially declared there was “zero excitement” about the franchise’s upcoming Major League Baseball opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Sydney.
Greinke, the Dodgers’ No. 2 starter, told ESPN over the weekend: “I would say there is absolutely zero excitement for [the trip]. There just isn’t any excitement to it.
“I can’t think of one reason to be excited for it.”
Dodgers president Stan Kasten has tried to distance the organization from the blast, but neither Los Angeles nor MLB are willing to condemn Greinke for having an opinion – and he won’t be slapped on the wrist for jeopardizing the game’s attempts to spread baseball to a new market. However, the club and organizers are adamant the right-hander is in the minority in regards to having cold feet about the trip.
Kasten responded to Greinke’s claims by insisting the club as a whole was looking forward to the “once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“Zack has this endearing, contrarian quality to him that we all know and love about him,” Kasten said.
“He’s famously focused and meticulous about his training regimen. It’s what makes him so good and such a great teammate. This is clearly going to alter his routine. I understand that aspect of it. But my problem right now is trying to make room for all the people that want to go – players, family, front office people. As an organization, we couldn’t be more excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Given the amount of money being poured into opening the season at the SCG, organizers in Australia were far from thrilled with Greinke’s comments and fired off a “please explain” to the MLB and the players’ association.
However, on Monday morning they were assured by officials in America that there is still enthusiasm among the players to spread the gospel of baseball in Sydney and that Greinke didn’t reflect the overall sentiment of the Dodgers organization.
MLB’s landmark move to open the season in Australia for the first time means the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are starting their season on March 22 and 23 — more than a week before the rest of the league.
Arizona pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Patrick Corbin have spoken of their desire to be a part of history in Sydney, but it seems the Dodgers may feel the venture is beneath them.
The Dodgers have not announced their starting pitchers for the two games, but are reportedly considering leaving ace Clayton Kershaw back in the United States.
To not bring Kershaw Down Under would be a major blow for the concept, given that baseball would be eager to showcase its biggest stars to a new market.
The Dodgers are trying to manage Kershaw’s workload and reportedly want him ready to throw in their US opener on March 30 at San Diego and their home opener against the Giants on April 4.
Greinke has said he is still willing to pitch in Australia if needed.
“It’s a baseball thing. It’s an ownership thing, spreading stuff around,” Greinke said. “That’s what it’s for and it’s for the greater good of baseball.”
He is still expected to make the trip and start on the mound for the Dodgers in one of the two matches.
This story originally appeared on News.com.au