Jeff Samardzija
Depot Grade: B+
6-5 / 220 | Age - 23 | RHP | B/T - R/R | Drafted - 2006 (R5) |
University of Notre Dame
Floor: Bullpen | Ceiling: Front-end Starter | Projection: #3 Starter
Samardzija’s fastball is a heavy, mid-90s offering and his wipeout
slider flashes plus-plus (he can back-door it or use it as a true “
swing-and-miss” pitch). After a schizophrenic MiL career,
“The Shark” broke through in the Cubs bullpen where his fastball/slider combo was effective right away. While he has the tools to succeed in a Major League pen
right now, the Cubs could look to put his power stuff back in a starting role
(which would likely mean some time down in Iowa to continue to work on his
fringy changeup and command). Despite up-and-down numbers over the past two
seasons, there is reason to believe he can be successful in a rotation. He
was routinely much stronger the second time through the order in the minors
and did a solid job of maintaining his velocity.
