Kevin Gregg Rips Chicago Cubs Organization; Apologizes Minutes Later.

The Chicago Cubs may not be jumping into the Arizona Diamondbacks’ pool anytime soon, but that does not mean that the Cubs are strangers to controversy.

Because there was controversy at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon after Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Kevin Gregg criticized the Cubs’ organization, but, apologized for his comments after speaking with Cubs’ president of baseball operations Theo Epstein.

Before the story takes shape, let us not forget that the Cubs are in the final month of a season in where the team is going to lose 90+ games.

Typically when a team is in that position, the month of September stands as an evaluation period for the front office to observe players in roles they may participate in next season.

That would be why on Wednesday, Chicago Cubs’ manager Dale Sveum said that late-inning reliever Pedro Strop will have an opportunity to close out games during the final week of the season. Sveum said the decision was in no way a slight against Kevin Gregg, who has recorded 32 saves for the Cubs this season.

On Friday, Gregg entered the ninth inning with the game tied at 5. Gregg struggled, though, as the relief pitcher allowed four runs on 3 hits and 3 base on balls.

The Cubs lost the game 9-to-5.

After the game, Gregg lashed out against the Cubs’ organization for their decision to let Strop close out games during the final week of the season.

"“It didn’t unfold the way I wanted,” Gregg said. “I was probably trying a little too hard with what they’ve told me over the last couple of days [about the bullpen situation]. It makes it difficult to play this game anyway, let alone knowing what [the organization] thinks.”“With what I’ve done this year and things that were accomplished, for an organization to come out and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to go in a different direction,’ a little professional courtesy would have been nice,” Gregg said. “… I think that shows me that they’re not that interested in me coming back here. I’ll worry about next year next year, but it gives me a good indication of their thoughts going forward.”–Kevin Gregg, MLB.com"

Lets not forget that Gregg is a free agent after this season and is simply making sure nothing jeopardizes him finding a place to play in 2014. But that is not an excuse for the pitcher’s ignorant comments on Friday.

Despite the fact that Sveum went out of his way to say that the decision to let Strop close out games was not in any way a reflection on Gregg’s performance, the pitcher acted like a disgruntled kid who was being forced to watch their sibling open gifts on their birthday.

Gregg should be wise enough to know that the Cubs are a team that is rebuilding. Meaning, the idea of the veteran closer returning next season was slim to begin to with. That would be why it made sense to use Strop as a closer in the final week to determine whether or not he could handle the role next season.

That would be why Epstein sent the message to Sveum to use Strop as closer.

Upon hearing Gregg’s comments, Epstein immediately called the relief pitcher into Sveum’s office. Epstein was very upset with comments that Gregg made and that was made clear through what the Cubs’ President said after the meeting.

July 18, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during batting practice before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

"“Apparently Kevin misunderstood Dale and thought he was having his job permanently taken away, despite getting the ball in the closer’s role the last couple of days,” Epstein told the Tribune. “He apparently had some choice words. … Upon hearing that, I called him up to Dale’s office to tell him how disappointed I was with him, given the way we’ve treated him this year. You know, bringing him back … and showing faith in him and the great job he has done for us this year.”“It took him a couple of minutes to understand he misunderstood Dale and he apologized to me and to Dale,” Epstein said. “I told him I would sleep on it and decide whether we would have any disciplinary action … let him know if he was released [Saturday] morning.”-Theo Epstein, MLB.com"

Shortly after Epstein addressed the media, Gregg returned to the media pressbox and apologized for his comments.

"“[Epstein and Sveum] clarified things and I was able to cool off a little bit,” he told the Tribune. “It helped to be able to talk to them and see what they actually are thinking. They want to get a look at Pedro, but they are not going to take anything [away] from me, either. They wanted to work together to see what this future holds for the organization with him and myself. I am OK with that. I like that idea.”-Gregg, MLB.com"

Epstein has decided not to release Gregg and that was the right decision going forward. If Epstein were to release Gregg, it may have sent an unappealing message to potential free agents going forward.

But make no mistake about it, Gregg almost surely will not be back with the Cubs next season.

Here is a crazy idea for Gregg, may be the next time he allows four runs in an inning, may be he could point the finger at himself instead of reverting back to a petulant child.