Samardzija looking good early in season
Chicago Cubs pitcher, Jeff Samardzija, has been one of the few bright spots for the club a little over a month into the 2012 season. After yesterdays victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Samardzija is 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA with 32 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.23. Entering into Spring training, he made it known that he wanted to solidify himself in the starting rotation after several years in the minors and the bullpen. He has approached this season with a calm demeanor and is getting the job done every time he takes the mound.
Reds manager, Dusty Baker, took note of the dominant performance last night from Samardzija and gave him the praise he deserves:
“That’s the best we’ve seen probably this year against us…Usually he doesn’t have that kind of command and control. Our reports say he’s throwing the ball good, and you could see he was at 95-98 [mph], and when he left, he was throwing 95-96. He threw the ball great against us. It wasn’t us tonight; it was him.”
Samardzija is showing the kind of talent the Cubs knew he had when they signed him. He is focused and is always looking to improve:
“It seems like things keep getting more and more important,” Samardzija said. “It was important to have a good spring, it was important to have a good start. As the season goes on, it’ll be important to finish strong.
“It’s a game where you have to keep proving yourself throughout the season and can’t get complacent. You can’t think your spot is safe. Someone is always nipping on your toes and you’ve got to keep pushing.”
