When the Cubs announced the signing of free agent lefty Paul Maholm earlier today General Manager Jed Hoyer suggested that reliever Jeff Samardzija could be considered for the rotation in Spring Training. The soon to be 27 year old Samardzija has made just five starts in 128 career appearances for the Cubs. Samardzija last started a game in September 2010. In that game against the Cardinals Samardzija allowed eight runs on seven hits and seven walks in just 4 1/3 innings. He has made 86 starts in the minor leagues but his control issues often led to high pitch counts and early exits.
Samardzija posted the best season of his career in 2011 when he settled into a setup role in the Cubs bullpen. The decision to try Samardzija as a starter is probably a good low risk/high reward move for the Cubs. Samardzija, who has battled control issues, has the potential frame (6’5″ 225 lbs.) and natural stuff to be a workhorse. Now is the time for the Cubs new regime to find out ju...
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