Tagged: Jeff Samardzija

RICK RENTERIA, JEFF SAMARDZIJA AND MORE

Two weeks ago I wrote about the new To Do List for the Cubs this off-season. Well, the Cubs have checked off the first item on that list, hire a new manager. I had a feeling it would be Rick Renteria and I was correct (for the first time).  He was not my first choice, but with Theo & Co., I am beginning to see a pattern.  They are wanting coaches that they are already familiar with and have some sort of previous relationship.  From October 2009 to October 2011, Jed Hoyer was the GM of the San Diego Padres.  Renteria was a coach with the Padres during that time.   There’s your connection!  I’m hoping it works out better than Dale Sveum did.

Yesterday, I mentioned that the Cubs could be trading Jeff Samardzija to the Arizona Diamondbacks.  The Cubs still have two years of control on Samardzija’s contract.  He will not be a free agent until 2016 at the earliest and he will turn 29 in January.  He has the potential to bring in a decent haul if traded.  I’m not naive enough to think he would bring as much as the Matt Garza trade did in 2011 for the Rays, but I think it would be close.  I took a quick look at Arizona’s top 20 prospects.  I think the Cubs could land 2-3 of these players in a deal.  I’m not sure which ones it would be and it is too early for me to make a guess.  I plan on keeping an eye on this over the next month and see what happens.

Finally, on January 22, 2011, I wrote a blog and an email to the MLB Network with some ideas for programming.  One of those ideas was to start showing Arizona Fall League games.  I also included the Caribbean League.  Well, lately, the MLB Network has been showing the AFL and I love it!  I have watched it with my 6 year old son and was able to enjoy seeing some of the young names you hear about in baseball today.  Plus, I have seen Albert Almora and Jorge Soler this week as well.  That’s a plus for me.

TRADING SAMARDZIJA?

One of my favorite players on the Cubs is Jeff Samardzija.  I feel like he has the potential to be a really good pitcher.  He will turn 29 in January and hasn’t reached that full potential yet.  Unfortunately, it seems that Theo & Co. are willing to trade the former Notre Dame two sport star.

I read, once again, that Arizona is interested in Samardzija.  I have no clue what the Cubs are asking nor what the D’Backs are even offering.  All I know is I would rather not make this trade.

NOW THE OFF-SEASON BEGINS

Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals as champions of their respective leagues.  The World Series was a good one which I felt the umpires did an excellent job.  In the end, the Red Sox were able to win their first World Series at home since 1918.  Congrats to Boston and their fans.

Now, it’s time to begin the off-season and it’s going to be an exciting one.  Some of the big names in free agency are Jacoby Ellsbury, Shin-soo Choo and Brian McCann. There are also several names being floated around already in trade rumors.  The Angels’ Mark Trumbo, Dodgers’ Andre Ethier, Rays’ David Price and the Reds’ Brandon Phillips.

I really don’t see the Cubs making any major moves after any of those names as of today.  The Cubs will probably have another season of spending on guys like Edwin Jackson or David DeJesus.  I don’t see Theo & Co. trading the farm away for someone like David Price either.  Instead, I think Rick Renteria will be the next manager and there will be a few minor moves after that, but nothing earth shattering.

There is also the issue of Jeff Samardzija.  Do we sign a contact extension or do we go to arbitration?  Or does he get traded?  This is one player I will be watching closely.

I’m already looking forward to the winter meetings so I can learn what direction the Cubs will be heading this off-season.

WHO’S NEXT

Theo & Co. have been busy.  Feldman, Marmol, Hairston, Clevenger and a minor league player have all been traded.  The two most notable names the Cubs have received are starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (27) and relief pitcher Pedro Strop (28) as well as relief pitcher Matt Guerrier, money for the International Signing Pool and a minor league pitcher.

I think Matt Garza will probably be next, but I would love for the Cubs to keep him.  A healthy Garza combined with Travis Wood and Jeff Samardzija make a solid core to a starting rotation.  The Cubs pen has been horrendous this year and the Cubs lead all the Majors in 1 run losses.  Alfonso Soriano has heated up in July with 4 homers and a .321 batting average for the month as of today.  So, it may be time to ship the veteran.  And there are always a ton of other players that could be dealt.

No matter who is traded, it is obvious that the Cubs are getting younger and continue to decrease their payroll while strengthening the minor league system.  Who knows, maybe this winter we will spend some of that money that Theo & Co. have saved up.

Forgotten Cub?

There’s been a lot of talk this off-season about several different players involving the Chicago Cubs.  Matt Garza, Carlos Zambrano, Prince Fielder, Alfonso Soriano and Anthony Rizzo have all received a ton of media attention surrounding the Cubs.  All of them deserved that attention as well.  However, one Cub I have read or heard little about this winter is RHP Jeff Samardzija.  So, here’s my tribute to the “Shark”.

He’s just turned 27 just a few days ago, so belated “Happy Birthday”!  I felt the Cubs organization really messed up the progression of his development early in his career.  In 2008, he was a late season call up and had decent success posting 2.28 ERA in 27.2 innings pitched as a reliever.  That was after making 21 starts between AA & AAA.  In 2009, Samardzija made 17 starts for AAA Iowa and pitched 34.2 innings with the Cubs primarily as a reliever with the big league team posting a 7.53 ERA.  He did manage to to make 2 starts for the Cubs in 2009 as well.  In 2010, the Cubs had him both start and pitch from the bullpen in Iowa and with the Cubs.  If you haven’t noticed, the Cubs couldn’t decide  whether to make him a starter or reliever.  I believe this hurt his progression.  Plus, he did bounce back and forth from Iowa to Chicago.  Last year, 2011, the Cubs defined his role as a full time reliever and he had his most successful season yet.  He pitched 88 innings with 87 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA.  I think he will only get better and will build off this season.  While there is a part of me that still thinks he could convert back to the starting rotation, I believe he is best suited for the bullpen and could eventually become a closer making Carlos Marmol available to trade.  The reason I even bring up Marmol is the fact he has control issues with the strike zone and his delivery makes me think that Tommy John surgery is a part of his future.

In 2012, I look for Samardzija to work as a setup man and middle reliever.  If he can put together another strong season I would be extremely pleased.  Remember, he’s still young and valuable.

SOME GOOD STUFF

Wow, I’m upset that I wasn’t able to stay up for the entire game last night.  I fell asleep somewhere in the bottom of the 7th inning.  When you get up at 5:00AM everyday, those late night games are a struggle to watch.  But I did get to see Carlos Pena smash his first homer.  I hope that opens up the flood gates and he starts ripping them on a regular basis like he’s capable of. 

Another good thing I’ve been seeing lately is the hitting of Geovany Soto.  The catcher is only hitting .239, but he’s hit 4 doubles in the last 3 games and is hitting the ball hard and taking it to right field.  If he keeps hitting the way he has lately I think his average and power numbers will increase greatly for the month of May.  
Finally, Ryan Dempster did not get the win last night.  Yet, he looked great!!!  He pitched 7 strong innings giving up only 1 run against Ethier, Kemp and the Dodgers.  Kerry Wood pitched a scoreless 8th inning for the win and Marmol got the save.  Niether Wood nor Marmol walked anyone or even gave up a hit.  The Cubs also played good defensively not making any errors.  That’s the perfect recipe for winning ballgames.  Let’s hope this continues!
One last thing I forgot to mention.  Jeff Samardzija is putting together a solid season.  He has 2 wins, 1 hold and a 2.45 ERA in 18.1 innings pitched.  He still needs to cut down on his walks, but he has been more than effective and hasn’t given up a run since April 12th against the Houston Astros.  
Overall, I am starting to get excited again.  We are finally starting to look like a team that can win more than we lose.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

The Cubs are finally beginning to invest some real money into player development now that the Ricketts family has taken over as owners.  This is exciting news for me as a Cubs fan.  If you don’t think player development matters take a look at the New York Yankees.  Derek Jeter was a 1st round draft pick in 1992.  Mariano Rivera was signed as an amateur free agent in 1990.  Andy Pettitte was drafted by the Yankees in the 22nd round of the 1990 draft.  Bernie Williams was signed as an amateur free agent in 1985.  Jorge Posada was drafted in the 24th round of the 1990 draft.  Those players helped form a dynasty in the mid to late 90s. 
 
The Cincinnati Reds are another example of player development paying off without the luxury of a large payroll for expensive free agents that your big market franchises have.  All Star first baseman, Joey Votto, was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2002 draft.  Jay Bruce was drafted in the 1st round of the 2005 draft.  Drew Stubbs was a 1st round pick in 2006.  Homer Bailey was a 1st round pick in the 2004 draft.  Johnny Cueto was signed as an amateur free agent in 2004 and Aroldis Chapman was singed as an amateur free agent in 2010.  These players were instrumental in helping the Reds to the playoffs in 2010 and should provide the Reds with a bright future.  The Reds also acquired some quality players through trades in Edinson Volquez, Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen. 
 
The Cubs have done so-so in the last 10 years in the amateur draft.  In 2001, we drafted Mark Prior in the 1st round, Ryan Theriot in the 3rd round, Sergio Mitre in the 7th round and Geovany Soto in the 11th round.  2002 wasn’t as kind though, but we did manage to draft Randy Wells as a catcher in the 38th round.  In 2003 Ryan Harvey was our 1st round pick and unfortunately he never worked out for us.  We also drafted Jake Fox in the 3rd round, Sean Marshall in the 6th round, Casey McGehee in the 10th round and Tim Lincecum in the 48th round but obviously he didn’t sign with us.  In 2004 our draft didn’t work out too well.  We drafted Mark Pawelek in the 1st round in 2005, but he never panned out.  In 2006 we drafted pretty well.  Tyler Colvin in the 1st, Jeff Samardzija in the 5th, Jeremy Papelbon in the 19th (Jonathan’s brother) and a few others that are still in our system working their way up.  2008 and 2009 seem to be decent drafts for us too, but time will tell.  Most importantly we need to draft well, sign amateur free agents like Carlos Marmol (1999) and develop these players better than we have done in the past.  Combine all of that with the ability to spend a lot of money and the Cubs will hopefully start winning on a regular basis and finally bring home a World Series Championship.

JUST RANDOM THOUGHTS

The Chicago Cubs appear to content with the lineup we currently have.  I was kind of hoping we would trade Fukudome, but that does not seem like it will happen.  I was also a little bit interested in Michael Young to play second over the platoon of Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker, but that is not going to happen either.  Another possible “solution” for second would be Luis Castillo if the Mets were willing to part with him.  Personally, I don’t like this idea at all.  The one move I still think the Cubs could make is acquiring Chris Davis from the Rangers.  I think it would take catcher Wellington Castillo and another high minor league player.  

I keep reading that teams are scouting Carlos Silva and Braden Looper.  I would love to see with us part with Silva no doubt.  However, I am curious to see what Looper could bring to the team this season.  
Matt Garza pitched four solid innings in his last outing which has me excited.  I think our starting five will be Ryan Dempster, Carlos Zambrano, Matt Garza, Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner.  However, Braden Looper is making a strong case to make the rotation.  The downside of this rotation is that we do not have a lefty in there.  Ted Lilly was a great competitor during his time with the Cubs and he will be missed. Our bullpen is looking good too in my opinion.  Marshall, Wood and Marmol will anchor the pen and hopefully Samardzija and a healthy Grabow will be able to help out as well.
Scott Moore is making a good impression this spring and while I don’t think he will make the team, I believe he would be a great mid-season call up if someone were to get injured.  However, I would rather have Chris Davis as our corner infielder.  No offense to Moore, but I’ve been fixated a bit on Davis this off-season.  
That’s all I have for today.  It’s supposed to be in the 60s tomorrow and in the 70s on Thursday here in southern Illinois.  I hope the weatherman is right!

RANDOM STUFF

I’ve got a few things I want to touch base on today before I enjoy some spring training baseball and college basketball.  

The Cubs rotation is beginning to take shape.  Carlos Silva seems to be pitching himself out of a job in the starting rotation.  Meanwhile, Randy Wells has looked good and stands a good chance to lock up the job as the 4th starter for the Cubs.  
I am betting on Andrew Cashner as our 5th starter at this point in the spring.  He hasn’t pitched great, but he hasn’t pitched bad either.  
Marlon Byrd is really hitting the cover off the ball this spring.  I expect this will be the best year of his career.  I know we need a big year from him along with several other players and I am encouraged by the job Rudy is doing with some of our hitters.  
Jeff Samardzija has struggled with his command in the past, but has yet to walk a batter this spring.  I know he’s only thrown 4.1 innings as of this post, but still, if he can throw strikes consistently I expect him to be a big help to our pen. 
I’m concerned about the platoon at second with Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker.  I was hoping the one of these two players would elevate their play this spring and win the starting job.  Neither one of them looks too sharp early in the spring.    
I plan on watching the Cubs this afternoon and hopefully they will play well.  I’m not concerned with wins and losses in spring training.  Instead, I want to see players perform well and do the little things that will help them win in the season.   

CASEY COLEMAN AND ANDREW CASHNER

I’ve written a few things about the Cubs potential starting rotation this off-season and I find myself doing it again.  However, this time I am wanting to focus on two potential starters in Casey Coleman and Andrew Cashner. 

I’ll start with Coleman.  If you don’t already know, the 23 year old right hander is a third generation Major League Baseball pitcher.  His grandfather, Joseph Coleman, pitched from 1942-1955.  His father, Joe Coleman, pitched from 1965-1979.  And now it’s Casey’s turn.  His grandpa won 52 career games, his father won 142 career games and Casey has won 4 games in his brief big league career.  Casey pitched 57 innings last year going 4-2 for the Cubs.  He made 12 appearances with 8 starts.  During Casey’s 8 starts he won 4 and loss 2 with a 3.36 ERA.  Not bad numbers.  His last 4 starts were great including 7 shutout innings against Houston on October 1st, his last start of the year.  

Considering how well Casey pitched in the rotation last year I think he will make a strong case for the 4th or 5th spot in the rotation this spring.  I am guessing the Cubs will send him to Iowa if he doesn’t make the rotation over Wells, Silva or any other pitcher competing for a spot in the rotation.  If he does get sent to Iowa, I anticipate he will be the first pitcher called up to be a starter. 

Next I want to say a few things about Andrew Cashner.  Andrew is a tall 24 year old right hander with great stuff.  He pitched 54.1 innings out of the bullpen for the Cubs in 2010 compiling a record of 2-6 and a 4.80 ERA.  He did manage to strikeout 50 batters which is a very good sign too.  Cashner was primarily used as a starter in the minor leagues, but was brought out of the Cubs bullpen last year after being called up.  His numbers in the minors were excellent, but I have read he needs to work on his changeup if he wants to be a starter in the big leagues.  I think the Cubs will be faced with a big decision this spring with Cashner.  Do we try to make him a starter or reliever?  If the Cubs want him to be a starter, I believe he will start the year in Iowa to work on his pitches….mainly his changeup.  However, I can see him making the big league team as an arm out of the pen.  I do not want the Cubs to handle Cashner the same way we did Jeff Samardzija.  Let’s define what role Andrew is going to play (starter or reliever) and stick to it.  I believe he will make the Cubs out of spring training as a reliever, but could see him eventually become a starter at some point in his career….not this year though.

Cashner and Coleman give me confidence in our younger pitchers.  I think both of these guys have the chance to make an significant impact for the Cubs in 2011 and beyond.   Keep an eye on both of these guys Cub fans.  I know I will.