Now away from football for good, he concentrates on his fastball, change-up
Young Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija is in his first spring training camp. In fact, the Valparaiso native already is on their 40-man roster.
That's a fast start.
He's having a great time.
"I've met some cool dudes; I'm just trying to blend in," he said.
Jeff Samardzija was drafted in the fifth round of the 2006 amateur draft. Despite a collegiate football career at Notre Dame, and the possibility of being taken in the upcoming NFL draft, he opted to play baseball.
Cubs director of player development, Oneri Fleita, indicated the Cubs didn't try to influence Jeff Samardzija's choice. But as he pointed to his chest he said, "We always try to select players who have it inside, and while we don't always get it right, Jeff Samardzija is a quality kid."
Jeff Samardzija was a marketing major at Notre Dame and showed some early marketing skills as he decided to forgo spring football practice during his junior year and concentrate on baseball.
This allowed him to get his arm in shape and increased the speed of his fastball. That got the attention of the radar guns and the scouts.
His repertoire includes a four-seam and two-seam fastball, a slider and a developing change up.
Last year he pitched for both Boise and Rockford in the Cubs minor league system. When he was asked what his most effective pitch was last year he said without any hesitation "My fastball."
In spring training this year while he is going through all the routine drills, said he is working on the location of his fastball as well as his change.
If he perfects his change-up and can throw it in game situations it will appear to make his fastball even faster.
Cub minor league catcher Jake Fox, is also in the major league camp and said this about Jeff Samardzija, "Although I obviously haven't caught him in a game situation yet, he really has a great arm."
Jeff Samardzija will probably start the season at High A Daytona, where incidentally, NASCAR runs a pretty fast race. The Cubs obviously hope his career will zoom up from there.
"Rocket" Roger and the "Ryan Express" both have had great careers buttressed largely by their fast balls.
Perhaps someday Jeff Samardzija will be referred to as "Jeff the Jet."
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