Contract talks with Jeff Samardzija continues
– In an interview yesterday on ESPNChicago.com, Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said it is not certain whether Chicago Cubs staff ace pitcher Jeff Samardzija will be dealt. Samardzija has had a strong start in this early part of the season – mostly in relief. Contract talks between Samardzija and the Cubs are on going on contract extension talks but no solutions or deal has been reached.
According to Hoyer, the lines of communication remains open between the two parties. “We’ve tried to keep things quiet,” said Hoyer. “We’ve had a lot of conversations with him. There’s been pretty consistent dialogue [that] hasn’t reached the point of fruition yet, but there’s always been a dialogue.” Acting in the relief closer role the last three years, Samardzija has already 7 games saved this season for the Cubs. Although he is 0-3, Samardzija has an ERA of 1.60 and 38 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched. Samardzija has only conceded 15 walks. Smardzija is currently in his second year of arbitration eligibility and is set to be a free agent in 2016.
Is Ross Detwiler on his way out?
One pitcher who is on the radar to change camp prior to the MLB trade deadline is Washington Nationals pitcher Ross Detwiler. His utilization by manager Matt Williams suggest Detwiler could be on his way out. The Nationals have put Detwiler in the bullpen as middle relief pitcher despite having a solid track record as a starter. The Nationals are stating that putting Detwiler as a power lefty in relief middle innings will have a greater impact. Detwiler has been used thus far in low-leverage situations which negates the statement of the Nationals.
Recently the Washington decided not to give him a spot on the rotation and the opportunity to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Instead, the Washington Nationals promoted for one start Blake Treinen and sent Detwiler in middle relief to Treinen after the team was down two runs. Detwiler’s contract seems expensive and somewhat over-qualified for his current role as a mop-up reliever. He is earning $3 million in his second season of arbitration eligibility and has a 3.46 ERA in 301 2/3 innings — mostly as a starter — over 2011 to 2013
