Cubs' Players Weigh in on Zambrano Postgame Actions; Does Zambrano Have an Option?

In the Cubs'/Braves opener Friday last night, Carlos Zambrano pitched one of his worst games this year giving up five home runs. Subsequently he let the frustration get to him and threw at Chipper Jones, twice. He was ejected. After leaving the field in a shocking move Zambrano cleaned out his locker and said to a select few he was retiring.

There was little reaction to the situation right after the game however the Cubs' players quickly weighed in on the situation as reported by Chris Cox on MLB.com in his article titled "Zambrano empties locker, says he's retiring."

There are, apparently, from the players' point of view different judgment calls when a player does something like walk out. Of course there is no doubt that all the players were irritated and offended to one degree or another. However having said that, whether or not the player returns determines the ultimate thoughts about them.

Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd has seen players just walk out but third baseman Aramis Ramirez has not.

Ramirez was quoted in the article as saying he believed Zambrano "would be welcomed back." He has never seen a player quit in this way but still doesn't think it is a fatal error. Ramirez has played with Zambrano for a long time.

After reading the article I think that Ramirez is two steps away from actuality, or reality if you prefer.

Byrd says of Zambrano, "I see him being frustrated and thinking about himself right now. If he goes home for good then it's a different story." In other words players who are contrite and apologize to their teammates during tough times will be given a level of forgiveness but those who break the relationship for good are thought of as weak or something of that nature-at least it is the way I read it.

Last year Zambrano was sent to anger management school as opposed to being "fired" mainly because the Cubs would have had to eat a huge multi-million dollar contract. Carlos Zambrano has just let them off the hook.

Carlos Zambrano is done playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Reference:

"Zambrano empties locker, says he's retiring,"