How About Jeff Samardzija As Closer?
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:03 PM CDT
56 comments
I've posted this idea in numerous threads, but I thought that this could easily be made into an argument in a fanpost. As you know, the current state of the bullpen is not pretty. The only reliable reliever is Carlos Marmol. So here is the current bullpen as of tonight's active roster:
K. Gregg (CL)
C. Marmol
A. Heilman
N. Cotts
L. Vizcaino
A. Guzman
D. Patton
Marmol is the obvious set-up man and Heilman seems to be settling down into the effective long-relief pitcher. With the promotion of Samardzija, this sparks the question: what will the bullpen soon look like? I think the rumors of Vizcaino being DFA'd are most likely true, however I wouldn't mind if it was Guzman. Guzman has had literally nothing. Vizcaino has done nothing to warrant being released.
Anyway, what about this idea: Jeff Samardzija as our closer? I think he could potentially be our Papelbon. He is a solid reliever whom you can trust, and can rely on going more than one inning just in case (as in coming into the 8th then getting the outs in the 9th). Gregg could take a set-up role like Howry's role on the team was last season. So the bullpen would look like:
Jeff Samardzija (CL), Marmol (Setup), Gregg (setup), Heilman (long relief), Guzman (rather have Vizcaino though), Cotts (LOOGY, but should be replaced by Waddell), and Patton. If the Cubs wanted another lefty, they could just swap Heilman and Marshall.
So....thoughts?
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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Well.
If he was the closer, he generally wouldnt go more than one inning, that seems to be the league S.O.P. these days.
Furthermore, perhaps Hendry should pay attention to what goes on in his own league (ie, Vizcaino, Heilman, Gregg) or his own city (Cotts) and not pick up these bums from the scrap heap
Personally, I would exhaust all efforts in making Samardzija a starter, he has the potential to have multiple plus pitches and presumably the physical endurance to be a starter; so I think it would behoove them to try that first, especially given how much he costs.
They couldve signed Cruz instead of trading for Gregg and used Marmol in the ninth
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 Apr 22, 2009 10:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cruz would have cost a first round draft pick
That would be the only reason I’d have to not resigning him. Hendry should have signed Beimel, that would have been perfect
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well our first rounders arent exactly setting the world on fire
So, F it, make moves for this season; he couldve been a difference maker
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 Apr 22, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really want to start this fanpost commenting off with something meaningful and full of passion, insight and logic.
But I don’t really give two steaming craps about debating who the closer should be anymore. Lou could just filp a damn coin in the 8th and get somebody up…I won’t ever care again. I’m physically tired of some of the roster/lineup/position debates that go on here. I just want this team to do well and play winning baseball. All the guys on the 40 man roster are major league caliber players (mostly) and should be able to get whatever job Lou gives them to do done. I don’t care who does the job….I just want it done.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 22, 2009 10:10 PM CDT reply actions 10 recs
true, but you need to find those right guys!
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have to find anybody...
that is the Scouting Dept/Front Office/GM/Manager/Coaches job. They’re all professionals, so I’m willing to let them do their jobs and just hope they do it right. I don’t want to expend the energy going back and forth about who should be what and play where and when.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 22, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I beat you
+ 2 billion trillion and rec’d. Let’s take a pitcher who has 1 professional save, has never closed before, isn’t closing in the minors and…………
you got it boys and girls, make him the closer for a team that hopes to contend. I’m sure Lou’s all over that.
by rlpete on Apr 22, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
8-5 is winning baseball
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Apr 22, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yep.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 22, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
whats bcb coming to if........
Worf is a voice of reason :)
ps I also agree w/ swl 1000%
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 22, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
your just going to go on the premise that "well somebody will do it, so why bother?"
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As fans, what other recourse do we really have?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 22, 2009 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean I guess, but you could argue
why does this board exist then. Besides gamethreads, it should be considered useless..
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the gamethreads
as someone who usually can’t watch or listen to the game.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 22, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This board exists because the greatest baseball fans in the world like to get together on the internet
and crack TWSS jokes and talk about cats, Al’s cold ass, pornography, politics, Erin Andrews and plan picnics while rooting for the best baseball team in the world. Also we like to piss and moan about losses and celebrate victories together.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 23, 2009 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
oh yeah,.......here is what i have to say about that
4-4 second intermission in Calgary
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 22, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where'd the goalies go?
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 4 games of 13
by znohitter on Apr 22, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they were down 4-1
and tied it up
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 22, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they came back!
wow!
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 23, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya well
thats why they have baseball sights like this. For people like me who always think they know best and have information that somehow the head hancho’s down at Wrigley don’t have.
So I feel the urge to come on here and display my meandering propositions hoping someone with some significant authority somewhere will take notice. The person will then plug this revolutionary scab of know-how into the formula which truly makes up the very Chicago Cubs we all know and love.
But until this happens I will continue to engage in debacles on every little bit, piece, and part of the Chicago Cubs
by nick_reny on Apr 22, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think we all agree that we want the job done
but we come onto bcb to debate how it should be done…
by WUSTLCubsFan on Apr 23, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shark is a starter.
No. Marmol is the plan B closer.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 4 games of 13
by znohitter on Apr 22, 2009 10:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
who does that leave for the bullpen then?
Would you trust Heilman in a pressure cooker situation, or Cotts, or Guzman? Angel had the potential to be that guy who would fill the shoes of Marmol, but he appears to be ineffective.
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reinhard or Waddell spring to mind.
Get one of them a cup of coffee and see how they do.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 4 games of 13
by znohitter on Apr 22, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But those two pitchers offer as much as Patton right now
We don’t know how they can handle major league hitting. Until then, I think Shark would be a good option for the closer role..
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for starters we don't know if he's a solid reliever we can trust
give me one other thing about Spellcheck that would make him a good closer.
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 22, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well he was a pretty solid reliever for this ballclub last season
25 K’s in 27.2 IP is a pretty solid stat there in 2008. He has the dominating ability that Gregg doesn’t have.
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's also got the ability to go six innings every five days.
So why would you waste his stamina in a closer role? And those 27.2 IP also brought 24 hits, 12 R (7 ER), and 15 BB. That gives a WHIP of 1.41, not exactly dominant.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 4 games of 13
by znohitter on Apr 22, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So why use him out of the bullpen now?
Why not make him a starter now? Many people thought that the Red Sox should not have made Papelbon a closer because he could go out there every fifth day to start, yet they did and look what they got.
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the moment *knocks on wood* we don't need a starter.
I don’t know why Hendry chose to bring up Shark over other options, but I trust him enough to wait and see what he does.
I’d guess they use him as a middle reliever / setup man right now. If somebody in the rotation goes down, he’s there; otherwise, there’s another arm to stretch the pen.
How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 4 games of 13
by znohitter on Apr 22, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
possibly cuz Shark can go more than one inning
so in long relief he can spell VIz/Cotts eating up 2+ innings
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 22, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if you have Shark
you have two guys who can go multiple innings — Shark and Heilman. Patton may be able to go two in less important games. Guzman still can throw 94mph. Gregg can do the job. Cotts can sit on the end of the bench in perpetuity, for all I care.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 23, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Posts that start with "How About"
Are reasons why I’m only coming to bleedcubbieblue.com once a day as opposed to 5 times a day last year.
Sorry is this is rude but not every “what if” conversation you have by the water cooler in the office is needed for a topic starter.
by ak123 on Apr 22, 2009 10:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You want me to continue writing parodies or Peavy posts or apologetic posts concerning (insert player here)?
This is a topic I think worthy of discussion.
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 22, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not interested in either
I just think this topic is going to get mixed up with the other “Suggestion” posts that will be made tomorrow. It’s just too early in the season for all this in my opinion.
by ak123 on Apr 22, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh for gods sakes
"Just win tonight" - derv
by derv on Apr 22, 2009 11:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Shark could be the "6th starter" over this 20-game stretch.
I see his relief appearances as being quite minimal, definitely not an ideal situation to throw him into a closer role out of nowhere.
Giving the Cubs starting pitchers a extra day to rest would help out a ton over this 20 game stretch. Rather than forcing them to each pitch four games, if Lou jumps the Shark three times over this stretch that would mean only two of the starting 5 would have to throw four games during this run.
I think Lou should start Samardzija at least once over this stretch. Even one day of extra rest for the starters would be very helpful.
by bdoubleu on Apr 22, 2009 11:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Samardzija needs to stay at AAA, not pitch in relief (or start) this year
He can still have trouble finding the strike zone – he’s still waaay to wild of a pitcher…which is exactly the type of pitcher that drives Lou crazy
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Apr 22, 2009 11:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
For as much flak as the bullpen has caught...
entering the night they had the 3rd lowest bullpen ERA in the NL at 3.75.
So let’s take a chill pill on this “bullpen sucks and no one besides Marmol is reliable” talk. Is this the best bullpen in the majors?
God no, but they sure aren’t gawd-awful either, and I like most of the guys going out there to get the job done and the rest of them will either find their grooves or be DFA’d cough Cotts cough
Let the season take its course and trust that Trader Jim and co. have this handled.
"Why do you always point to the sky when Zambrano starts?" My girlfriend.
"You just wouldn't get it...it's a Cubs thing..." Me.
by cubs2k8isnxtyear on Apr 23, 2009 12:22 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Really? I would have never guessed that.
May I ask the first 2?
"So chicks dig guys who TAKE AWAY the long ball, too? " by dat cubfan daver
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 23, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also have to say that this is an
original idea and at first thought, I like it.
That being said, when I think about it a little harder, Shark is a much more important asset to this ballclub as a starter.
"Why do you always point to the sky when Zambrano starts?" My girlfriend.
"You just wouldn't get it...it's a Cubs thing..." Me.
by cubs2k8isnxtyear on Apr 23, 2009 12:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Shark...
Will be a starting pitcher, but not this year. I pointed out last week to expect him to be called up, and go into the ’pen soon. Here he is. He has 3 good pitches, and is developing a 4th. The best pitch he has is his fastball, the most valuable pitch for a reliever. Iowa will have to do without him as a starter… he is needed here, now. Cotts will turn it around, and Vizcaino will be traded. That is all…
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 23, 2009 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cotts may or may not turn it around
but you don’t know that. I definitely think he should be given more than 13 games though (which some people don’t seem to realize is only 1/12th of the season..) before a decision is made. As for Shark, from the looks of your post, you think he should be the closer then?
Or are you just merely stating how he’s here now and we need to accept it?
I believe Shark is a valued member of the bullpen for the Cubs as is, and will definitely contribute. I also agree that Shark won’t be a starter for the team on Clark and Addison for another year plus. I think it’s good for him to get big-league experience and stretch him out in 2010’s spring training.
"Why do you always point to the sky when Zambrano starts?" My girlfriend.
"You just wouldn't get it...it's a Cubs thing..." Me.
by cubs2k8isnxtyear on Apr 23, 2009 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I don't think he should be the closer...
We have a closer, one who is quite capable. If I had thought that the Shark should be the closer, I would have said that.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 23, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who
is going to pick up Viz? Seriously?
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 23, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Samardzija has always had good stuff
He just needs to work on his control. Adding him to the bullpen will just give us one more pitcher that will make Lou tear his hair out when he can’t throw strikes. He’s got better stuff than Cotts, but I don’t think he’s as much of an upgrade as most people here seem to think.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Apr 23, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
"Roles (rolls) are for breakfast"
Remember that pearl of wisdom from Bruce Kimm in 2002? Well, truth be told, I agree with him. Too much is made by players of having a routine and knowing when and how they’re going to be used. Life – including sports – is full of the unexpected. If I’m Lou, I tell everyone in the ’pen to be ready at any time and any spot.
by CaliCub on Apr 23, 2009 7:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's a really bad idea.
Bullpens do much better when each pitcher has a defined role.
That said, if Gregg continues to fail and Shark comes up and throws well, I’d definitely consider him to close, to answer the question posed in the title of this post.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Twittermeyer says
Viz DFAd to make room for the Shark.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Apr 23, 2009 10:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds good
His first appearance showed he is ready.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 4:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Your very funny!
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 23, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
his funny?
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 23, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he wanted a knee jerking response which I am not giving
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 23, 2009 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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