With Kerry Wood on the DL, the Cubs have called up pitcher Jeff Samardzija to the big leagues.
If Roman were here, he'd probably ask something like this: Cubs fans, are you EXCITED about Jeff Samardzija?
Gordon Wittenmyer said Samardzija had looked like Indiana Lightning in AAA this season. I guess that means he had more strikeouts (40) than innings pitched (37.3). Strikeouts are good, especially for closers, which is the role Samardzija will soon be ticketed for.
But how soon can the Cubs expect Samardzija to fill the closers role? After watching Carlos Marmol put all of Wrigleyville on pins and needles last night, would Lou dare turn to Samardzija right away? Should he?
Though Samardzija could get a start this weekend, his role on this particular Cubs team will surely be that of a bullpen arm.
Is there anyway the Bears can also call up Samardzija? Honestly, he's probably a better first option than Marty Booker.
Kick some butt #50!
I agree on all accounts my friend. Samardzija would be a fine closer with his personality and gas...done! Once the Cubs are done in late November the Bears would be glad to bring him in the mix. The only problem is that by then it might be too late for the Shark to make a difference. Devin 'you are ridiculous (for holding out)' Hester will still only know 4 routes, Marty 'fresh off the nursing room couch' Booker will be of no help and Brandon Lloyd is only good in practice. Perhaps Jeff can pull double duty and help Chicago win both the WS and SB. He's got the hair and build of a savior....maybe he really is the second coming.
The Cubs can call up Cy Young, Satchel Paige, Fergie Jenkins, Tom Seaver, Sandy Kofax, Bob Gibson, Nolan Ryan, Warren Spahn, Walter Johnson, Bill Lee, Steve Carlton, Cat Fish Hunter, and Don Drysdale ........ it won't make a bit of difference.
They're Cubs, and their fate is sealed.
(So it is written, so it shall be done)
After watching Samardzija's first big league outing, two things are abundantly clear.
1) He has an electric fastball.
2) He is just as devoid of a good secondary pitch as every scouting guide says.
It's pretty clear that with only one relatively polished pitch, he's ticketed to become a power reliever and not a starter. But how many good closers can you name who have only one pitch that even can be considered MLB-adequate?
I'm not saying there's no hope for him. He's young and certainly has time to develop another pitch. Heck, a closer can be very good living on only two quality pitches (see also: Jenks, Bobby). On a personal note, I watched every football game he played in Notre Dame Stadium, and I really want him to become a quality major league pitcher, even if it is for the team on the other side of town.
Rather than be concerned about Samardzija being brought up, I'm more concerned about the fact that Derrek Lee has played in 102 of the 103 games the Cubs have played this season, yet has already posted a career-high in GDIP. Meanwhile, the Cubs bring up a young man by the name of Micah Hoffpauir who's only hit .400 in the big leagues and is a lefthanded hitter. Lou's managed to get him one pinch-hit AB in a week?!
Nice work Lou. Makes a ton of sense with the offense struggling to just keep putting the same underperforming guy out there. Nevermind that Fukudome or Ramirez aren't even hitting their weight for the last month.
Samardzija is a work-in-progress. His 99-mph fastball is nice, but he's going hit bumps -- just like he did yesterday. We need more consistent offense. Rich Harden has given up 1 earned run in two starts...and had 20 Ks on top of it. Number of wins he's gotten in a Cubs' uniform? Oh yeah, 0. The Cubs have been absolutely horrible in one-run ballgames this season. They've outscored their opponents by more than 100 (!) runs this season. They should have ran away with the division by now, but they prefer to beat themselves. Shameful.
Mr. Tardi sez: "The Cubs have been absolutely horrible in one-run ballgames this season. They've outscored their opponents by more than 100 (!) runs this season. They should have ran away with the division by now, but they prefer to beat themselves. Shameful."
Your insight is astounding.
When it comes to the subject of "inevitable / abject failures", the Cubs are a self fulfilling prophecy.
So he can throw hard and not come close to the strike zone?
Big deal. Sounds like Mitch Williams to me.
Where are all the load mouth Cub fans at?
The Cubs have the best record in baseball! (Not anymore)
The Cubs have the best record in the National League! (Not anymore)
The Cubs have the best record in their division! (Not anymore)
The Cubs have the best record in Chicago! (Not anymore)
Nothing better than seeing the Cub fans talk a lot of crap because they were in first place in July only to see them gag like a drunk at an all you can eat buffet.
When it comes to the subject of "inevitable / abject failures", the Cubs are a self fulfilling prophecy.
Much like Villano's attempts at humor
Great Game today.
Sat middle front bleachers.
Samarja looks cool under pressure.
GO CUBS GO!!!
Let's keep Jeff and get rid of Howry, who stinks and couldn't hold a lead if you gave him 10 runs.
I'm actually allowing myself to root for the ND guy this time.
(Note to Samardzija: cut your hair in the back. You'll look better.)