BP on Samardzija

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Double-A Tennessee (Cubs)

Samardzija had a pretty impressive spring training, leaving the more optimistic types among the Cubs media predicting a breakthrough season and a chance that he could be in the big leagues by the end of the year-–thus fully justifying the absolutely ridiculous amount of money the Cubs threw his way. With seven shutout innings in his second start of the year, the hype train rolled on, but it’s come to a screeching halt since. On Saturday night, Samardzija had his worst start of the year, giving up seven runs before getting pulled in the third inning, an outing which raised his ERA to 4.81. A quick look at his peripherals shows that there’s still plenty of work to be done. Despite pure power stuff, Samardzija has struck out three or less in five of his eight starts, and on the season has issued more walks (24) than strikeouts (23) in 39 1/3 innings, while showing a disturbing fly-ball tendency. Scouts remain utterly baffled as to what to make of him.

[Guest]

First 4 starts: 23 IP, 18 H, 6 ER, 11 K/6 BB, 2.35 ERA

Next 4 starts: 16.1 IP, 19 H, 15 ER, 12 K/18 BB, 8.27 ERA

 

His control has been awful lately.

[Outshined_One]

I truthfully have no idea what to make of Samardzija. Part of me thinks the Cubs are putting him under orders to specifically focus on certain things over the course of his starts (kind of like when they told Gallagher to put his slider on the backburner to work on his other pitches). In those instances, the numbers don't always tell the whole story. I've seen his performances from spring training and he looked pretty good. Another part of me remembers that he's still relatively raw and is pitching his second full season in the minors. There's still plenty of development left to do.

 

However, in looking at his numbers, there's not a whole lot to like. My personal belief with evaluating pitching prospects is to first look to the three 9s: K/9, BB/9, HR/9. Currently, Samardzija's 9s are as follows:

 

HR/9: 0.23

BB/9: 5.49

K/9: 5.26

 

He's been phenomenal at keeping the ball in the ballpark, despite the number of flyballs he has given up. As it has been mentioned in various other threads, a large number of his flyouts have been infield popouts.

 

However, his strikeouts and walks have been fairly abysmal. What gives me a bit of comfort is that half of his walks have come in two starts out of the eight he has had thus far. It's not to say that we should discount those two starts, but I think it's a better thing than having those walks evenly dispersed among his starts thus far. That's not saying a lot, but it's at least something. It looks like his problem might be command rather than control, considering Samardzija has only had 2 WPs and no HBPs. It's not like Rich Hill back in the day when his curveball would regularly hit batters, umpires, backstops, and fans sitting behind home plate on a regular basis. This sounds more like he needs to do a better job of working the strike zone. Whether or not he ever will is anyone's guess.

 

If I had never read any scouting reports on Samardzija, I'd be wondering why he's even in AA. However, since I've read the reports, I just don't know what to make of him without seeing him. Since I likely won't see him in a AA start any time soon, I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

[jersey cubs fan]

Kind of reinforces the notion that it was fairly ridiculous to ever think Samardzija could have been fast tracked to the majors. If he ever amounts to anything, it's going to be a long time from now. But some were talking about a potential call-up in 2007, and many were talking about him pitching in the majors in 2008. He shouldn't even be on the radar for 2009. The guy has about 210 pro innings, and I think he's going to need at least 400-500 innings before you can think about bringing him up.

[TruffleShuffle]

jim hendry should be banned from ever going after notre dame products, ever again.

[CubinNY]

I wonder what sharkfan50 or whatever he/she is called thinks about the recent developments.

[Brett]

It's just hard to imagine this is the same guy I watched in Spring Training last year and this year.

[biittner77]

First 4 starts: 23 IP, 18 H, 6 ER, 11 K/6 BB, 2.35 ERA

Next 4 starts: 16.1 IP, 19 H, 15 ER, 12 K/18 BB, 8.27 ERA

 

This looks like he's under orders to work on his breaking pitches.

[TruffleShuffle]

First 4 starts: 23 IP, 18 H, 6 ER, 11 K/6 BB, 2.35 ERA

Next 4 starts: 16.1 IP, 19 H, 15 ER, 12 K/18 BB, 8.27 ERA

 

This looks like he's under orders to work on his breaking pitches.

 

or he sucks.

[imb]

BP on Samardzija: WE GIVE UP

[CubbieBum]

I'm indifferent on Smarz. On one hand he is a Cub and one that we spent a pretty penny to get. On the other hand he's a jackoff who went to Notre Dame.

[YearofDaCubs]

I don't know if Samardj was a Hendry or Wilken call but I have to tell you so far I haven't been impressed with Wilken and his picks. It's been a long time since we've had a consensus top 10 prospect in the minors.