NEWSLETTER
Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano has finally spoken publicly regarding Zambranogate, and while it’s good to finally hear from the horse’s mouth, his statements leave a little to be desired.
“It was a moment of frustration,” Zambrano said Monday in an interview with ESPN. “I was trying to fire up the team. Lee told me to shut up, and I got more excited. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. The last person I would be mad at is D. Lee; he’s a Gold Glover. I was just mad at myself.”
Zambrano said he has already apologized to Lee.
“I texted Lee two days after it happened, and we talked after that,” Zambrano said. “I apologized to him, and he responded well. He’s a professional. He’s one of the best teammates you can have.”
Zambrano will apologize to the rest of his teammates when he rejoins the Cubs on Friday in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. He hopes he and the Cubs can move on after the apology.
“If I play better and do the right things, everything will be fine in Chicago,” Zambrano said. “I love the fans and the city. I do not want to leave Chicago. I came on a mission, and I want that ring.”
Undergoing anger management therapy is part of his road back to the major leagues, and Zambrano said the sessions have made a difference.
“A lot of people have told me I need to change if I want to be successful,” Zambrano said. “Thank God the Cubs have sent me to the doctor for anger management. I’ve had three sessions already … doing exercises. I have to write down every time I get mad.” ESPN Chicago.
Me, too, Carlos. Me, too.
As for the content of the statement – and I’m calling it that, not an apology – I give it two shrugs out of three. He said he apologizes from the bottom of his heart… but he apologizes for trying to fire up the team. And that’s it. I imagine he will give a sincere apology to his teammates, however, and they’ll all leave it in the past.
And, in truth, I’m content to move on. Regardless of whether Zambrano will actually be with the Cubs in 2011, nothing bad can come from letting bygones be bygones, and hoping that Z pitches well this year – out of the bullpen or otherwise.
