June 11, 2007
Money for Nothing
Lion in Oil looks at the so far wasteful signing of Jeff Samardzija.
The season hasn't fared much better for Samardzija since then. He's started 11 games thus far into the 2007 campaign, winning none. He's carrying 5.40 ERA, with a .333 opponents' batting average and 21 strikeouts through 55 innings.
On the plus side, his walks and home runs allowed are good, although the walks may be low because the hitters are getting really good pitches to smack around. Jeff, however, is set for life. Even after agent fees and taxes, Samardzija likely put about $5 million in the bank, and even with a conservative investment, he should be looking at $250,000 a year income for the rest of his life. And since he's not playing football, he'll be able to enjoy it pain free!
Posted by David Pinto at
07:24 AM
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What a pavanoesque signing.
"And since he's not playing football, he'll be able to enjoy it pain free!"
Not necessarily. He was signed by the Cubs, after all.
He is a couple months into his pro career, a bit early to pass judgment, no? Some folks were tossing dirt on O. Perez a few seasons back. Give him time. The pain free life is a non factor in my eyes. If he does wash out of baseball he'll go the Drew Henson route.
Going the baseball route is ALWAYS the best decision for guys like Samardzija. And yes, i'm talking about the money. It's a win-win for Samardzija even if he can't make out of the minors. He'll have a healthy body and a lot of money.
Adam Dunn is another example, former QB at U. of Texas. Would have most likely been drafted into the NFL. He's now due $13 million next year. I doubt he regrets his decision.
Grady Sizemore could have played college basketball AND football. I'm sure he's happy with his decision as well.
wow... writing off samardzjia already, after just a few months?
of course... it doesn't even factor in the idea that maybe he is learning new pitches or making adjustments to his delivery.
but what it does show is that people want immediate results, which are almost never to be found in MLB.
lets wait a couple of years before we write off a minor leaguer, eh?
Dave,
Part of the point of drafting college players is that they need less time to reach the majors. That's why you pay them a lot of money.
I agree with the last point, but he's 3 months into his career. Go easy. If I recall correctly, you were a bit quick on the trigger with Jose Reyes last season.
Well, Jose Reyes was approaching 1500 plate appearances, which is where sample sizes become meaningful.