Return to MLB Prospect index Jeff Samardzija - RHP Jeff Samardzija Scouting Report - Samardzija was a fifth round selection by the Cubs in the 2006 MLB Draft. He pitched for Single-A Boise and Peoria prior to his senior season as a wide receiver for Notre Dame's football team. He was projected as a late first round, early second round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, but he instead signed a five-year deal, $10 million deal with the Cubs. - Samardzija is 6'5", 220 lbs and was born on January 23d, 1985 and graduated from Valparaiso High in Indiana. - Samardzija was called up to the Cubs in late July when Kerry Wood was placed on the DL. He had a 2.28 ERA in 26 relief appearances, striking out 25 in 27.2 innings, while walking 15. - The Cubs decided to leave Samardzija in the minors to begin the 2009 season after having a 7.31 ERA in 16.0 innings during Spring Training. Chicago still hopes he can become a starter, but has been asked to improve his slider and overall command. - Samardzija had a 3.13 ERA in six starts in Triple-A during the 2008 season, striking out 40 batters in 37.1 innings. In 76.0 innings that season in Double-A, Samardzija had a more modest 4.86 ERA with just 44 strikeouts in 76 innings. - During the 2007 season, Samardzija had a 4.57 ERA and just 65 strikeouts in 141.2 innings. - His biggest impact in the big leagues will likely be as a short reliever unless he can develop more effective secondary pitches. Jeff Samardzija Updates RealGM will be tracking Jeff Samardzija throughout his minor league development and present updates on his progress here and within our Wiretap. May 6, 2009: Lou Piniella stresses the importance of Samardzija developing secondary pitches in order to become a MLB starter. Jeff Samardzija Links - Latest Jeff Samardzija news via Google - Samardzija's Minor League Baseball Reference page - Samardzija's MinorLeagueSplits page - Samardzija's FanGraphs.com page - If you have updates on Jeff Samardzija that warrant inclusion on this page, please email me at [email protected]