Jeff Samardzilja to come up?

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jul 24, 2008 5:55 AM CDT Comment 51 comments

Apparently there's some rumblings in the papers it might be Jeff coming up to replace Kerry on the roster when he goes on the DL.

Interesting to put him in the pen.

I was wondering what everyone thought and I had a thought as to one of the reasons,

If Jeff has some major league service time before September 1st he is eligible for the playoff roster even if he goes back down and doesn't come back til after the 1st. If he doesn't come up before the 1st he is ineligible for the roster.

could Hendry and Pinella be thinking "Okay we get him some pre September time. If he goes back down and comes up in September and is lights out he can be on the playoff roster"

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I think the rule

you need to be on the 25-man on Sept. 1 (or Aug. 31) in order to be eligible for the playoff roster (unless you are replacing someone who is injured). I don’t think it has to do with the playoffs – it has to do with not one but two hard throwing late inning relievers being hurt (Wood) or completely ineffective (Howry). They might want to test Smardzilja in the ML pen rightnow before they make any panic trades next week.

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jul 24, 2008 6:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's the full scoop.

You do NOT have to be on the 25-man roster before September 1 to be eligible for the playoffs. You can be named to replace someone who is on the DL on that date.

That’s how Francisco Rodriguez became a WS hero for the Angels in 2002, despite not making his ML debut till September 18, 2002.

And it’s spelled S A M A R D Z I J A (this to the poster of this post, not you, John).

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 24, 2008 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

S A M A R D Z I J A

LOL – I can take it. I just copied the nearest available spelling …. but maybe we should all learn the correct one if this guy is going to be around for awhile.

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jul 24, 2008 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he does come up...

... Larry Rothschild will have to change numbers again. Samardzija’s number - still shown on the 40-man roster - is 50, the # Larry took after Rich Harden clamed #40.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 24, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just call him The Shark.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He needs

to live up to that nickname first, I think. It’s a pretty cocky nickname and you’d need to be able to back that up. I’m sure he did in college, but he hasn’t done anything for the Cubs yet.

Also, “The Shark” makes me think of “Jump the Shark”, which I don’t want the Cubs to do. Maybe it’s all the “Fonzie” references lately that causes that image, but still…

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Jul 24, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hm, hadn't thought about the "jump the shark" thing.

Still, not every player lives up to his nickname. I’d just go with it to avoid having to spell his last name.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he's called the Shark...

because of his nose & how it makes his face look like a shark somewhat. I think the “jump the shark” thought comes from the Fonzie references. If the Cubs did something stupid, like say, trade DeRosa for an arm in the bull pen, then they’d be “jumping the shark”.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Jul 24, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trading DeRosa for a relief pitcher

would be more like adding a new, unnecessary character, like Chachi—definitely dragging the series down but not completely killing it. “Jumping the Shark” would only apply when the Cubs’ season is over. Of course, I never wanted to think about any of this. Damn Soriano and his Henry Winkler-inspired nickname…..

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Jul 24, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right. Or one could say that...

...it’s becoming highly apparent that Bob Howry has “jumped the shark.”

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What kind of name is that?

Czech?

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jul 24, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Serbian

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Jul 24, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was Snuffalupagus...

How the heck do you pronounce it?

sam-ard-zia
sam-ar-zia
sam-ar-za
etc….

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. ~Voltaire

by Jettero2112 on Jul 24, 2008 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

While our beloved Cubbies looked better tonight I believe that they could use another spark. JS would provide some of that ‘attitude’ that KW will leave behind and he’s pitched well enough to deserve a shot.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Jul 24, 2008 6:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What attitude?

The one that says blisters will put me on the shelf for a month?

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Jul 24, 2008 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he means that killer competitive attitude.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gee...

I wasn’t aware that you were a major-league relief pitcher.

Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman

by NotSure on Jul 24, 2008 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

looking at...

his stats at Iowa the other night He has been pretty good from what it has been before getting to Iowa. Samardzija is 3-1, 3.55 with a 22:11 K:BB ratio in 25 innings for Triple-A Iowa, allowing 26 hits.

by bleed that blue on Jul 24, 2008 7:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

even more true in person

i was at one of his games recently, sitting directly behind the opposing batters warm-up circle and talked to many of the red rock players…....everyone i talked to said his stuff was really good

by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2008 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

even more true in person

i was at one of his games recently, sitting directly behind the opposing batters warm-up circle and talked to many of the red rock players…....everyone i talked to said his stuff was really good

by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2008 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It might be nice

to see what he has agianst major league hitters. We all know he has talent and could be a great pitcher, but it would be nice to know what he can do before its an “important” call up. I dont think it would be a bad idea to put him in the closer roll while Woody is out. ets him in some pressure sitations and see how he can handle it.

by pickupman21 on Jul 24, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

My worry for Jeff S

is control. He seems to walk a lot of batters.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Jul 24, 2008 8:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Evidence?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 24, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did have 42 BB in 76 IP in AA this year...

Which is pretty high (would be over 100 BB in 200 IP). Of course the bigger concern in AA was his low K rate (only 44 K in 76 IP).

So far in AAA though he’s increased the K rate and has had a bit less trouble with the walks, especially in his last few starts.

by SouthernCub on Jul 24, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His BB/9

is 3.59, which isn’t as bad as I thought. That said, I don’t know how much of an improvement he’d be over howry, considering his inexperience.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Jul 24, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope he does

Send Howry back down. I would also be up for trying Gaudin in the rotation.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2008 9:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Howry cannot be sent to the minors without his permission.

The only ways to get him off the staff right now:

DL
Trade
Release

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 24, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those are the only LEGAL ways...

We could also see if Tonya Harding’s crew needs some money…

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Jul 24, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, that baton (or whatever that guy hit Nancy Kerrigan with)...

...would shatter like an icicle on Howry’s thigh and then that Wrigley Field security guy would come leaping in out of nowhere and barrel-roll the would-be attacker into an open locker. (I’m envisioning this happening in the locker room.)

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are a valuable poster on this site. I looked forward to reading the crap you spew

daily.

Thanks. MDBNIU—-nearly replaced.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jul 24, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing

that he was referring to DaBard

by tootle on Jul 24, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, maybe that's it.

Or maybe he’s pretending to be MDBNIU?

Seriously, Hammer, I’ve read this your post like five times now and I can’t quite figure out what it means.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I assumed it was me he was referring to

I paid it no mind.

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Jul 24, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love reading davers posts.

He has sarcasm down to a fine art. Could it be you missed it? He is nothing like BM as Daver is a huge Cubs fan and wants to see them win.

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Jul 24, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Sue!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're welcome

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Jul 24, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gaudin in the rotation where? And why?

Until Howry can show that he’s regained some modicum of movement on his pitches, Chad Gaudin is the new Bob Howry in the bullpen. We need him there.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 24, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd prefer

if Chad Gaudin could be the old Bob Howry, not the new Bob Howry, if you don’t mind.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Jul 24, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Indubitably.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

See how he does

For one start instead of Marquis or Harden to give him extra rest to avoid injuries.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't that what Marshall is for?

Wasn’t the whole point of keeping Marshall in Triple A to keep him stretched out?

Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Jul 24, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At that time, it was.

But now, Lou seems to be using him as the long reliever he thought he had in Lieber.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 24, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, with the Brewers only one game behind...

...I’m not sure this is a good time to rest Harden, though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still worried about his arm as well. And, for better or worse, Marquis has earned the right to stay the No. 5 starter. I know he could implode at any time, but I still think Gaudin is just too valuable in the bullpen (mainly because of Howry’s decline) to move him into the rotation unless absolutely necessary.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jul 24, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't really rest Harden...

... with no days off till August 7.

What Lou MIGHT do is slot Marshall in during this long stretch to give everyone an extra day off. If this happens, it would likely be AFTER the Milwaukee series (Marshall could face Pittsburgh).

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 24, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But probably only likely

if the Cubs have made a little hay in the standings.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Jul 24, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about one Samardzija start vs. Pirates

instead of the Marshall start?

by jbau on Jul 24, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.

I’d rather see Samardzija in the bullpen.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jul 24, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bring it on

I’d love to see the Shark gas it up for an inning or two at a time. Might pump up the boys a little bit.

Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2008 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather not see Shark before Sept.

If they bring him up now, he’d be the one to go down when Wood and/or Lieber comes back. I’d hate to burn an option for just a week or two. He hasn’t pitched that many pro innings (and he went to a cold-weather college), so he may need some more minor league time before he’s really ready.

I don’t want to have the same discussion about Shark in two years that we’re now having about Pie.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Jul 24, 2008 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs