Chicago Cubs Top 10 Prospects: #9

#9 Jeff Samardzija, RHP

Year	Team	Lv	W	L	IP	H	K	BB	ERA	WHIP
2004	Notre Dame	NCAA	5	3	64.0	50	42	17	2.95	1.05
2005	Notre Dame	NCAA	8	1	78.2	85	56	30	3.89	1.46
2006	Notre Dame	NCAA	8	2	97.2	101	61	37	4.33	1.41
2006	Boise	A-	1	1	19.0	18	13	6	2.37	1.26
2006	Peoria	A	0	1	11.0	6	4	6	3.27	1.00

Jeff Samardzija had an illustrious college career, but not on the baseball field. The standout widereceiver looks to go in the first round of the NFL Draft and may never continue his baseball career long enough to develop into a major leaguer. He has said that he would like to do both at the same time, but he plays a physically demanding position in football and a skill intensive position in baseball. His right arm should be too precious to withstand such a beating it's going to take from NFL defensive players. I almost thought about leaving him off this list because of it, but his big arm is too good.

Samardzija has created a rift between scouts and statheads when it comes to grading him. Scouts look at him and see a tall pitcher with a great durable body. They also see his big fastball that touched 99 MPH in the Big East Tournament a few times. They also point out his fastball peaked at 96 in each game last spring. It was also the first season in baseball he didn't run through spring football practice - giving him legs to pitch with. His velocity spiked, and because of his lack of development he's got more projection in him than the normal college junior.

Statistically speaking for Samardzija there isn't much to like. Even with his big fastball he's never shown an ability to strike out hitters at any time in his career. His command has been spotty at best and the lone thing he's shown is an ability to keep the ball in the yard. The question remains as to whether that's a product of NCAA Big East hitters or his stuff.

Scouts can counter this argument with Samardzija boggling two sports which make it harder for him to perfect his secondary pitches and develop his out pitches. The problem is, Samardzija wants to do both professionaly so how exactly is he going to develop them while doing the same routine? His fastball sits 91-94 and his slider has the makings of a good pitch, but the consistency is not there. Also, his fastball is relatively straight and professional hitters can hit a straight fastball.

There's a lot to like with Samardzija, but there is a lot of things that could potentially stagnate his development. In a perfect world he quits football, sticks to baseball. This would allow his velocity to sustain in the mid-to-upper 90s and his natural athleticism and clean delivery should allow him to develop solid to above average command. His offspeed pitches have shown promise, but their is no consistency. If Samardzija can develop his potential is as high as just about anyone in the systems. Rightnow he's a thrower without commitment.