As the Chicago Cubs simultaneously wind down Spring and ramp up for Opening Day, the news this weekend was dominated by Carlos Silva. It’s funny how a guy who, whether or not he made the team, wasn’t likely to have a tremendous impact on the team’s overall success or failure could be such a flashpoint for discussion. But so it is with guys like Carlos Silva, whom the Cubs finally gave the boot this weekend, and, in the interest of complete coverage, here are some additional quotes on the situation.
Manager Mike Quade had a great deal to say about Silva, Silva’s comments about the organization and pitching coach Mark Riggins, and the decision to go with Andrew Cashner in the rotation.
“I was really disappointed when I heard the comments afterwards. First of all, he’s dead (blanking) wrong, okay, about my pitching coach. And I’ve got no (blanking) time for that.
“Second of all, respect.. it’s a two-way street, period. And whether it’s him or anybody else on my club, or myself, I mean, it’s a two-way street, and I don’t want to hear anything about respect. If you’re not willing to give it. you aint getting it. OK? I was really upset when I heard that.
“The third thing, and people need to know, whether he was upset with Riggs or whatever, this was my call. This was not Jim Hendry’s (call). If you want to irritated with somebody, this is on me. (it was) my decision, completely and totally. And I don’t need anybody covering (for me).
“I took a look at this thing and said we’re going with (Andrew) Cashner, and was given the freedom from my general manager and assistant GM to do that. So I’m not sure anyone really understood that. I respect everyone’s opinion, listened to all of it, didn’t sleep, came in, made my decision- done.
“So if people are thinking ‘This guy got me’ or this or that… No. I got whoever we got, or whatever. And then we move on. You never want to see anything happen like this. But I thought we treated the guy really well, given the circumstances. And I can look in the mirror all day long, and I think as an organization we can (as well).”
Once again, Mike Quade says all the right things. I’ve been very impressed with his ability to merge candor with coachspeak.
As for Riggins, the subject of much of Silva’s ire, he remains positive and isn’t looking to make any waves.
“Carlos has his opinion and I’ll leave it at that,” Riggins said Sunday. “I try to stay positive with everybody. It’s water under the bridge and today’s a new day.”
Manager Mike Quade and general manager Jim Hendry both supported Riggins.
“I appreciate that,” Riggins said. “I just do my work, and I’m pleased with myself and have confidence in my ability and try to be positive with everybody here every day.” …
“His attitude was good, we worked good together,” Riggins said of Silva.
Riggins still has a great deal left to prove in his first year as the Cubs’ pitching coach after replacing long-time (and very successful) Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild. But this Silva business will certainly not taint or even negatively color my opinion of Riggins.