One of the big questions with the Cubs (in addition to, Did the Ricketts read the contract with the rooftops before they bought the team? – but that is a subject for another post) is: Will they sign Jeff Samardzija to a long-term contract or will they trade him away for prospects before the end of the July?
Actually, I don’t think the question is whether the Cubs will sign Jeff Samardzija. I think the question is whether Jeff Samardzija will sign with the Cubs. I understand that Theo, et al., have a plan for the future. But that is exactly the point. It’s a plan for the future. It’s not for this year or, realistically, next year. The best hope would be 2016. And that is at the earliest.
The question is: Why should Jeff Samardzija wait? Jeff is 29. That’s not old for somebody who didn’t pitch that much in high school or college. But, still, Jeff would be 31 in 2016, and that is the earliest the Cubs might contend.
Look at how bad the Cubs are this year. I understand rebuilding – and I agree with the idea – but why can’t the Cubs spend a little more money on quasi-major leaguers to win a few more games while we wait. The Ricketts might find that they would sell more tickets if the Cubs were even half-decent. They certainly would have more of those people who bought tickets show up and buy their concessions. Tom Ricketts says that the family doesn’t like the term “lovable losers.” I agree. But right now, that is what his family is selling.
So, as I asked, why would Jeff Samardzija want to stay with the Cubs? I would love for Jeff to stay, but I would totally understand how he would want to play for a pennant contender. If he goes, I will wish him well. Because he deserves to play on a better team than the Cubs.
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