Am I the Only One Who Wants to See Samardzija Get a Start?

Question

I am not sure if I want him to BE a starter.. but I wouuld like to see him get a start just to see how he would hold up. I have been a big fan of the kid since he was playing for Notre Dame.

As A Cubs fan..my ideal scenario would be to groom him a a coffin nail closer..so that he can pitch full speed without any concerns about fatigue. (Of course..in my dream scenario.. we also boot Lily and hire Sabathia off the FA market... )

But... while I really think he is for real... I would like to see him in a protracted situation just to find out. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

We don't the same thing that happened to Joba Chamberlain happen to Samardzija by rushing him into a starting role. He'll be fine and we'll see him starting in probably 1 or 2 years.

Answer 2

I don't think he should start this season.  Not even a spot start towards the end of the season after the Cubs have clinched the best record.  He's going to make the playoff roster as a middle reliever, so I wouldn't want to mess up his arm trying to throw him 5+ innings in a meaningless late-September game.

Next year maybe you have him compete for the 5th spot in spring training with Marquis and Marshall.  You'll have Zambrano, Dempster, Harden, and Lilly locked in at 1-4, so all that's left is the 5th spot.  It would be nice to have another lefty in the rotation (sorry Rich Hill), but if Jeff has the best stuff and the bullpen is solid, then I say give him the chance to get the 5th spot.  Marshall can always go back to the bullpen and someone might be willing to take Marquis, especially if we pick up some of his salary.

And why dump Ted Lilly?  He's done nothing but win ballgames since coming to the Cubs in 2007.  Let the Yankees or some other team overpay for Sabathia.  He won't be on Milwaukee, that's for sure.  

Answer 3

I would like to see him start as well.

Answer 4

I would love to him start a game this year..hopefully he will get one after the cubs lock it up and can make changes..

hopefully within a year or so he will be a starter

Answer 5

Haha, Samardzija is an absolute PIMP! I LOVE HIM! HE ROCKS!

He is our Joba Chamberlain and I don't think we should mess with succes, unlike the yanks. I'd love to see him start, but we're not retarded like the yanks.

Answer 6

up up for anything that will get Marquis out of the rotation

Answer 7

dude that guy is an f***ing beast. hes the best reciever notre dame ever had. hes my favorite football player ever. 83

Answer 8

who  

Answer 9

yeah your the only one

Answer 10

This is like Joba's situation in New York. What came out of it? He got hurt.

If you have to choose between him or Marquis obviously you would choose him but would you really want to risk injury?

Answer 11

Yes, you are.

Answer 12

He's doing fine where he is.  Spring Training is the time for

experimentation, not this point in the season.  

Answer 13

No...I would like to see it too...He was a monster for Notre Dame in football and baseball...I loved him...

I could have sworn he started at least one game for the Cubs due to injuries, but not according to his stats on Yahoo...

Answer 14

Yes, and no TJ (I gave you a star anyway for this, because I know that's what you really want).

On the one hand, the guy is clearly a class act and a super talent, so it would be interesting to see what he could do.  On the other hand, his primary experience is in short relief, so he could easily end up fatigued and injured (ala Joba).  

The Cubbies are smoking right now, best record, 8-2 in their last 10, and on pace to score about 900 runs this season. I would leave things alone and let them roll. I am hoping for a Cubs - Red Sox World Series  (two of the best parks in baseball), or an all Chicago series, but i think it'll be the Angels and the Cubs.