Anger Management Ordered for Chicago Cub Pitcher

Chicago Cub pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a three time all star has been ordered into anger management. The order was given after an incident on June 25th in which he gave up four runs in the first inning and started screaming at first baseman Derrek Lee on the way back to the dugout. The two had to be separated from one another in the clubhouse. Zambrano was ordered back into the clubhouse by Cubs manager Lou Pinella and on his way back decided to let Pinella know what he thought of him too. This apparently was not the first incident of this type involving the pitcher.

Zambrano was immediately suspended and, after negotiations involving his agent, the club, MLB and the player’s association, he was ordered into a one week anger management program.

Although he is still suspended, Zambrano has completed the anger management course requirement and is rumored to be back on the mound soon.

All well and good, but I hope that part of Zambrano’s return is contingent on him continuing with anger management for at least six months if not longer. Why? Anger management is a process, not something you can cure in  week. Yes, you can learn all the skills in a week, but turning around a lifetime of anger problems does not happen in a week.  For most of us who struggle with anger management problems changing our ways is somewhat like learning to ski. You can take a week of instruction and get the basics down but unless you practice you are going to lose whatever you learned. Learning anger management is no different: you can get the skills down, but you are still going to fall (i.e. get mad).  And it really helps to have someone to help review what anger management skills you didn’t practice that led to your outburst.

My guess is that even if its not in public Zambrano will get mad at an inappropriate time.  I just hope he has the ongoing support to help him learn from his mistakes.