Levine: Aroldis Chapman Confident He Can Meet Cubs' Expectations On, Off Field

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman comes to the Cubs with a 103-mph fastball and a reputation as being one of the most feared relievers in baseball.

Having joined his new team Tuesday, a day after being acquired from the Yankees in a five-player deal, Chapman also brings with him a domestic violence incident to his record. Chapman and his girlfriend, who's the mother of his daughter, had an altercation last October during which Chapman fired gunshots in his garage.

While no criminal charges were pressed, MLB did its own investigation into the matter and suspended Chapman for 30 games to start the season for violating its domestic violence policy. As part of the privacy rules that have been collectively bargained by the MLB Players Association and the league, the general public won't have access to information regarding the rehab and sensitivity training sessions that Chapman has partaken in.

Full disclosure and more information would probably help Chapman in the court of public opinion in this matter, and that's especially true after a rocky introduction to the Chicago media Tuesday afternoon. During his initial interview session, Chapman -- who speaks little English and thus uses an interpreter -- misspoke when questioned about a pre-trade conversation with Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, saying he was "sleepy" when he talked to them. On Monday after acquiring Chapman, Epstein had stressed the importance of that conversation, saying the trade wouldn't have gone down if the Cubs weren't satisfied with what Chapman said.

Tuesday's confusion came about because of a translation snafu and Chapman being nervous, Epstein later said. Epstein emphasized that Chapman understood everything the Cubs brass told him.

"Look the guy was on the call, Tom was on the call," Epstein said. "Aroldis was on the call, his agent Barry Praver was on the call. That (call), happened and it was real. We talked to him about the incident. We made sure that statement reflected his real feelings on it. That was real important for us to hear it directly from him. Tom laid out the entire same standards that he tells our players about in spring training. He said extremely clearly, 'We expect our players and hold them to a very high standard of their behavior off of the field.' We said, 'We need to know that you can meet that standard.' Aroldis said, 'I understand, absolutely I can.'"

As far as the Cubs' expectations, Chapman is confident he will live up to them and be a positive influence.

"You always learn from your mistakes," translator/coach Henry Blanco said, relaying Chapman's words. "He feels like he is a better person now. He just wants to play the game."

In a statement released Monday, Chapman said he won't be commenting on his agreement with MLB or the past incident. He has expressed remorse for his decisions.

"Looking back, I feel I have learned from this matter and have grown as a person," Chapman said in a written statement. "My girlfriend and I have worked hard to strengthen our relationship, to raise our daughter together. I would appreciate the opportunity to move forward without revisiting an event we feel is a part of our past."

Chapman was asked if he had written the statement himself and when he wrote it.

"He did write it, because he knew there was a good chance this trade would happen," Blanco said in translation.

Few baseball questions were asked of Chapman on Tuesday

"He said he is confident and happy to be in Chicago," Blanco said. "He just wants to concentrate on being the best person he can be. He understands what he went through. He feels he is a better person now. He knows what to do and how to focus. You always try to learn from your mistakes. Now he just wants to play the game."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.