Breaking News: Apologize or Else
I love today's microwave society. Say what is on your mind and in your heart rather than spout the company line and the next day someone in a tie will make you say you
are sorry. You are no longer entitled to be angry, to lash out, to be "colorful." You are only entitled to answer questions in "jock speak" and act homogenized at all times. Anything short of that, you will be called on the carpet and threatened within an inch of your life.
Today's "apology" from Carlos Zambrano was nothing more than a carefully crafted corporate attempt to woo fans after an idiotic episode yesterday. Instead of moving forward, the Cubs spun yesterday's meltdown into a "I'm sorry and I want to give the fans a hug" lovefest. What Carlos Zambrano was forced at gunpoint to say was not from his heart but from his wallet. The higher ups, including the marketing whiz that runs the team, demanded it. This is the major league baseball equivalent of "being written up" after an unsatisfactory incident at work.
By forcibly making Zambrano show contrition, the Cubs brass thinks this episode is over and that Cub fans, who annually drink a very bitter brand of kool-aid will warmly welcome the sputtering starter on his next mound appearance. Unfortunately, the fans aren't as gullible as the Cubs brass think they are and are probably accepting this apology for what it is: A PR exercise designed to manipulate the headlines. Now the pendulum swings from "Zambrano pops off" to "Zambrano shows contrition" which is exactly what the Cubs want.
Besides, somewhere down the road, an umpire will squeeze the plate or a catcher will call the wrong pitch or an outfielder will drop a fly ball in the sun and Zambrano will go off again. And, with his contract signed, sealed and delivered, you've really got to believe that Jim Hendry is wondering if he has a $91.5 million albatross around his neck.
Some fans say "It's great, he's emotional. He's real, he tells you what he thinks and what's in his heart." To the media, Zambrano is great copy. To the Cubs, he's a PR nightmare that needs to neutered.
are sorry. You are no longer entitled to be angry, to lash out, to be "colorful." You are only entitled to answer questions in "jock speak" and act homogenized at all times. Anything short of that, you will be called on the carpet and threatened within an inch of your life.Today's "apology" from Carlos Zambrano was nothing more than a carefully crafted corporate attempt to woo fans after an idiotic episode yesterday. Instead of moving forward, the Cubs spun yesterday's meltdown into a "I'm sorry and I want to give the fans a hug" lovefest. What Carlos Zambrano was forced at gunpoint to say was not from his heart but from his wallet. The higher ups, including the marketing whiz that runs the team, demanded it. This is the major league baseball equivalent of "being written up" after an unsatisfactory incident at work.
By forcibly making Zambrano show contrition, the Cubs brass thinks this episode is over and that Cub fans, who annually drink a very bitter brand of kool-aid will warmly welcome the sputtering starter on his next mound appearance. Unfortunately, the fans aren't as gullible as the Cubs brass think they are and are probably accepting this apology for what it is: A PR exercise designed to manipulate the headlines. Now the pendulum swings from "Zambrano pops off" to "Zambrano shows contrition" which is exactly what the Cubs want.
Besides, somewhere down the road, an umpire will squeeze the plate or a catcher will call the wrong pitch or an outfielder will drop a fly ball in the sun and Zambrano will go off again. And, with his contract signed, sealed and delivered, you've really got to believe that Jim Hendry is wondering if he has a $91.5 million albatross around his neck.
Some fans say "It's great, he's emotional. He's real, he tells you what he thinks and what's in his heart." To the media, Zambrano is great copy. To the Cubs, he's a PR nightmare that needs to neutered.
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