Carloses Zambrano and Silva had continued to cultivate a long-time friendship over the past year as teammates, but with Silva’s weekend release, the two will have to make it a long distance friendship.
“It was kind of sad. He was sad, too,’’ Zambrano said of the conversation he had with longtime friend and former Venezuelan winter-league teammate Carlos Silva after Silva’s release Sunday. “I spoke to him, and he was kind of worried. He didn’t want to talk about it much, but I just gave him some good words.
“I told him just to be confident, that he’ll get another job and I know he can play for another team.’’
Those close to Silva — whose criticism of the team after failing to make the roster prompted the quick release — say he’s nervous and disappointed, and constantly monitoring a phone he typically ignores. He is expected to clear waivers Wednesday morning, after which teams are free to sign him for the major-league minimum ($414,000).
“I wish him the best,’’ Zambrano said. “We will keep in touch.’’ Chicago Sun-Times.
Imagine if one of your very good friends at work was canned, and then you had to talk to the media about it. That would suck.
Think what you will about Silva and the way he comported himself as a Cub – and I do think certain things – but it’s easy to forget about these kind of relationships behind the scenes when we discuss roster moves. These are, after all, people. I’m not suggesting sympathy. I’m just saying it’s interesting.