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Samardzija comes through roller coaster season healthy
Things were not going particularly well for Valparaiso native and Cubs minor-league pitcher Jeff Samardzija at High A Daytona.
He had a losing record, his ERA was over 5.00, he had given up far more hits than innings pitched, and with a slight dip in his velocity, an organizational decision was made to send him to the bullpen, according to Oneri Fleita, the Cubs Director of Player Development.
That move seemed to refresh Jeff Samardzija's arm. He returned to the starting rotation and threw well for the next couple of starts.
Then another decision was made, and this time it was to advance him to the Double-A Tennessee Smokies.
"We wanted to challenge him" said Dennis Lewallyn, the Smokies pitching coach.
And how did Jeff Samardzija meet that challenge? Let the numbers speak for themselves. A 3-3 record, a 3.41 ERA, fewer hits than innings pitched, and more than twice as many strikeouts as walks -- all better marks than at Daytona.
What Lewallyn really liked about Jeff Samardzija was his desire to learn.
"He always asked a lot of questions," Lewallyn said. "He is a very intelligent person. And because of that I would expect him to improve during the course of each year."
Jeff Samardzija's control also improved as he walked only two batters over his last 17 innings. In the Double-A Southern League, pitchers get to hit against National League affiliates, and Jeff was 2-for-7.
"He's just a terrific athlete," Lewallyn said.
Through his turbulent season, Fleita liked Jeff Samardzija's attitude.
"He always stayed positive," Fleita said.
And the best thing of all, according to Fleita, is that Jeff Samardzija is healthy. And with his first full offseason in years, now that he doesn't play football, Fleita's excited to see how much Jeff Samardzija will improve.
"I wanted Jeff Samardzija to come through his first full pro season without any nicks, and with his arm in good shape, and he was able to do that," Fleita said. "I really look forward to what he can do next year."
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