CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman should have help on the way in the form of a new translator after a rocky start with local reporters.
On Thursday, manager Joe Maddon said the Cubs were weighing their options to make the transition for Chapman more seamless. The Cuban doesn't speak English.
"It's difficult where we really haven't built a relationship with this guy," Maddon said before a 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox, in which Chapman recorded the final four outs to post his first save with the Cubs. "I know there has been some reticence or pushback regarding him to this point; however, understand where he's coming from right now. He doesn't know us, and he really doesn't know the language, so my best advice is to continue to build a relationship."
Chapman and Cubs interpreter/coach Henry Blanco came under criticism Monday after the pitcher flubbed his introductory news conference with Chicago reporters.
Then the next day, he initially refused to speak with the media after his debut on the mound with his new team. Chapman eventually relented; catcher Miguel Montero translated for him. Now the Cubs plan on bringing in someone Chapman is more familiar with.
"I'm trying to build a relationship with this guy so he starts trusting me," Maddon said. "I believe when that occurs, I'm going to understand what he's about and what he's thinking.
"It will probably be better as we all develop better relationships with him; the conversation is going to flow a lot more easily. To put myself in his shoes, to come into a new venue, new city, new everything, it's a pretty heavy moment. To immediately be scrutinized, as he was, I can almost understand why it's been difficult for him."