When Jeff Samardzija was called up about three weeks ago, lots of people (and this includes me) wondered if he was ready for the big leagues. He's responded with a mostly dominant 13 and 2/3 innings out of the bullpen, holding opponents to eight hits and two runs while striking out 14 over that span. His dancing 98 mph fastball has made him a real asset in the Cubs bullpen. That may not be enough for the Cubs, who need a starter this Sunday and are considering the ex-receiver for the spot start: ``Might as well just throw it in there,'' Samardzija said of the possibility he draws the start for the Cubs Sunday in Florida. ``We've kind of done a little bit of everything.''
Piniella hasn't called Samardzija's number for Sunday, and likely won't make that decision until the weekend. But he said Wednesday the rookie is one of his options for covering the spot in the rotation that opened because of Tuesday's rainout in Atlanta.
Samardzija worked as a starter in the minors and it seems likely that his long-term role with the Cubs is, but he's been so good in the bullpen that I think the Cubs would be slow to move him out of that role before the playoffs. A good starter is always better than a good reliever, but Samardzija won't be able to overwhelm hitters with his fastball from the rotation and the learning curve is a bit steeper as a starter. Even if he does start on Sunday, it'll probably be a one-time thing.
UPDATE: Lou Piniella says he's going to start Marshall and piggy-back him with Samardzija so as to not stretch anyone out too far, which is probably the most logical conclusion here.
