Carlos Zambrano Apologizes for Tirade and Wants to Stay a Cub
Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano has had a change of heart. The usually hot-tempered Zambrano has apologized for his actions last month, expressed his love for Chicago, and thanked the team for helping him receive anger management therapy.
Zambrano has been on the restricted list since June 29th following a three-game suspension for an emotional outburst aimed at teammates in the dugout of a June 25th game against the Chicago White Sox. In that game, Zambrano struggled early on, allowing four runs in the first inning. The pitcher yelled at first-baseman Derek Lee, who shouted back at the pitcher before manager Lou Piniella and his coaching staff stepped in and soon removed Zambrano from the game.
"It was a moment of frustration," Zambrano said in an interview. "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 also stated that he has long since apologized to Lee personally.
"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 is set to soon rejoin the Cubs and will apologize to the whole team when he returns to the line-up. He hopes the team can move on after the apology and maybe even grow as a team from the incident.
"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."
Zambrano also said that the anger management sessions that he has undergone have also helped him out tremendously.
"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."
The pitcher is presently under an expensive contract. He signed a five-year, $91 million contract extension in 2007. He has struggled this season as he was pulled from the starting rotation and spent five weeks pitching out of the bullpen. His luck didn’t change once he was moved back to the starting rotation. He went 2-3 with a 5.01 ERA in five starts before the suspension. He is 3-6 with a 5.66 ERA this season.
Since the suspension, Zambrano has made two appearances for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs as he works his way back to the major leagues. The pitcher is relieved at the fact that he’s returning to the majors.
"I'm really looking forward to being back with the team," Zambrano said. "I'm not liking Triple-A too much."
Of course, we will have to see Zambrano play a few games first and perhaps endure a few struggles to see if he has channelled his anger. The ultimate redemption of course would be bouncing back from a bad first half and regaining his old form.
If Zambrano starts throwing well and winning games, this incident will be forgotten and will perhaps be seen as a turning point for both Zambrano and the Cubs, who are also struggling as a team, well behind the lead in the NL Central. It is also Lou Piniella’s last season as he is set to retire at season’s end and he wouldn’t mind finishing his career on a high note. A return to elite form from Zambrano could be the starting point for turning the Cubs' season around.
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