In the hours after he signed with the Cubs, recalibrating the balance of power in the National League back toward the Midwest, Yu Darvish called Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. His remarks focused on the warmth he felt for Roberts and the Dodgers, before hinting at the rekindling of his competitive drive.
"He basically wanted to let me know how much the Dodgers helped him love the game again, and how much he enjoyed it," Roberts said. "And once he got that out, he wanted to make his little dig, about 'now, we get to beat you.'"
The banter was playful, Roberts explained.