NEWSLETTER
Despite reports every which way indicating that Carlos Zambrano has not been in contact with the Chicago Cubs, or any of his teammates, since being dismissed by the team last Friday, Ozzie Guillen – Zambrano’s dinner-mate that same Friday evening – says that Zambrano’s spoken with the Cubs and that everything is fine.
He also says anger management might work for Zambrano, even if it didn’t work for him.
Zambrano is scheduled to have some anger management counseling before returning to the Cubs.
Ozzie had similar counseling in 2006.
“I don’t think you’re going to change (Zambrano),” Ozzie said. “For me, it didn’t work. I’m the same … when you make a statement and you’re willing to do something, you have to back it up. If you told your team, ‘I apologize and I’m sorry’ and you mean it and move on, people will (forgive). I think Carlos is doing the right thing. I think the Cubs are doing the right thing.
“But enough is enough. Carlos has already talked with the Cubs. Everything is good with the Cubs. I don’t say great, but it’s better, everything is on the table. He’s doing what he should be doing, going for help. Be sure you talk to the team and move on.” DailyHerald.com.
So, is Ozzie just spouting off, or does he know that Z really has spoken to the Cubs and that the two sides are feeling harmonious? Seems like we would have heard about it if the latter were true, or it would seem at least that this Ozzie quote would be getting much more play.
As for the rest of what Ozzie had to say, I do like that he’s sending the loaded message to Z: apologize and move on. Who knows if the wounds are still too deep – we’ve not yet heard the full story, of this I remain convinced – but Ozzie clearly does have Z’s best interests in mind. I’m fine with that.
