Jeff Samardzija

2013

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2012

Samardzija came into 2011 as a wild thrower with a big arm, but made significant progress as the season wore on, with a 35:16 K:BB ratio in 36.1 second-half innings. Samardzija averaged 95 mph with his fastball last year and actually sat in the 96-98 range for most of the second half to go along with an improved slider. He's expressed interest in competing for a rotation slot this spring, but could easily land in a setup role, or even become the team's closer should Carlos Marmol be dealt or fail to right the ship.

2011

Samardzija has a great arm, but simply lacks anything close to the command necessary for success at the major league level. In fact, he hasn't even pitched particularly well at Triple-A the last two years. He'll vie for a spot at the back end of the rotation with a cast of dozens, and failing that, could wind up in the bullpen in a low-leverage role. But it's more likely he begins the year at Triple-A.

2010

The Cubs love Samardzija's arm - he's touched 99 mph on the radar gun - but so far he's looked nowhere near ready, allowing too many home runs both at Triple-A and the majors last year. Samardzija will compete with Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny and Jay Jackson for the fifth starter job, but we'd be surprised if he were to prevail unless he vastly improves command of his secondary pitches.

2009

Samardzija was impressive for the first month after his late-July callup, making hitters miss with his blistering fastball (clocked as high as 99 mph) and occasional slider and changeup. But he struggled with his command down the stretch, and while his ERA was spared by some unearned runs, his 1.41 WHIP tells the tale. Samardzija is slated for a middle-relief role at press time, but there's some chance he returns to Triple-A to work on commanding his secondary pitches. If he does, the sky's the limit.

2008

The former Notre Dame wide receiver, Samardzija's a hard thrower who Cubs' GM Jim Hendry is so high on, he declared him untouchable in trade talks along with last year's top pick Tyler Colvin, top prospect Felix Pie and pitching prospect Sean Gallagher. In truth, none of the four are can't-miss players, and Samardzija is probably the furthest from making a contribution to the big-league club. Samardzija struggled with his command at High-A last year, before being promoted to Double-A where he fared decently in a 34-inning sample. Expect him to start the season at Double-A in 2008 and don't be surprised if there are some growing pains at that level.