Spring training is all about proving yourself and the Cubs have a ton of money invested in Samardzija. I hope he finds his groove and proves the critics wrong, but he's been a model of inconsistency since making his MLB debut in 2008. Remember that feeling in the pit of your stomach you always got when Bob Howry came in for some middle relief duty? That's the same feeling I get when Samardzija takes the mound. You just never know what's going to happen. I can't imagine feeling that for 5+ innings (if he can last that long).
Samardzija made two starts in 2009. The first one came on August 12 when he gave up 7 runs to the Phillies and didn't make it out of the 3rd inning. He faired a little bit better on September 23 and lasted 5 innings on 3 earned runs against the Brewers, but he still surrendered 2 home runs.
He's only 25 years old and obviously has a ton of potential. My biggest worry is that the Cubs will feel the pressure to rush him into a starting role because of all the hype surrounding him. He needs to earn his spot.
Dude, I dunno. I think you're not giving Jeff a fair shot. As you mentioned, he had 2 starts last year. 2. I'd have a few butterflies as well, if I'm making random starts, which means you can almost (almost) write off start number 1.
ReplyDeleteAs for start #2, do those stats remind you of anyone? Say... Kerry Wood? "Great" line other than one or multiple HRs in one game.
As for not lasting 5 innings, the dude WAS a starter, but the Cubs didn't let him be one right away. They kept him in the pen, allowing him to throw 1 or 2 innings MAX. Of course he's not going to last more than 5. He definitely needs to build up to it, and if the Cubs let him, I think he COULD be a strong #5 starter.
I'm certainly not saying he's my #5 right now, I'm not saying he should be forced in, and I totally agree he needs to earn it, but cut the guy some slack ;-)