CUBS
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Wood's injuries increase Samardzija's value
With Wood sidelined, young pitcher getting the ball in late innings
Jeff Samardzija was brought up with the intention of being a right-handed set-up man to get the ball eventually into Kerry Wood's hands.
But Wood's blister and back problems have combined to make him an unknown commodity of late, increasing Samardzija's value and opening the door for the rookie someday to move into the closer's role.
"He pitched in the ninth and 10th innings [Friday]," manager Lou Piniella said. "I think that tells you something."
Samardzija's ascension has coincided with Wood's struggles to stay healthy.
After missing 20 games with the blister problem, Wood pitched in one game (Tuesday) before suffering the back injury.
One day after suffering from back spasms, Wood reported to the park on Saturday, received more treatment and said he was ready to pitch.
"Just a bad day yesterday," he said.
But Wood didn't pitch Saturday, and won't pitch in closing situations immediately after he returns, whenever that may be.
"When he's ready, he's ready," Piniella said. "I don't anticipate it being long-term. Let's hope it's not as long as the finger."
Piniella couldn't say how long he will hold Wood out of the closer's role.
"Hopefully he'll be available soon," he said. "I don't see any reason why not. But when he gets back, he has only pitched one time in a month. We have to get him some work. The best way to get him some work, get his arm strength up, get him back to pitching shape, is by getting him some work in the middle."
Meanwhile, Samardzija has impressed in the early going, putting the pressure on Wood to return.
"We were really fortunate," general manager Jim Hendry said. "None of us assumed that blister was going to last that long, and we wanted to have one more harder-throwing guy. ? We knew he wouldn't be afraid but at the same time, you can't expect the guy, the first time up, performing like he has been in the pen.
"I don't think anyone a month ago envisioned Jeff in the ninth and 10th innings against the Cardinals in a tie game in a pennant race. He has handled himself admirably."
Could Samardzija become the closer in 2009, when Wood becomes a free agent, or will they move him into the rotation?
Piniella said he could perform in either role, "depending on what the organization's needs are."
Hendry said he's not thinking about next year.
"[Scouting director] Tim Wilken and I said, 'Down the road, he's either going to be one of your high-end starters or one of your late-inning relievers, and I don't know what he would be best at,' " Hendry said.
"You look at him up here, and it's hard not to think he could pitch in the eighth or ninth inning down the road."
With Wood sidelined, young pitcher getting the ball in late innings
Jeff Samardzija was brought up with the intention of being a right-handed set-up man to get the ball eventually into Kerry Wood's hands.
But Wood's blister and back problems have combined to make him an unknown commodity of late, increasing Samardzija's value and opening the door for the rookie someday to move into the closer's role.
"He pitched in the ninth and 10th innings [Friday]," manager Lou Piniella said. "I think that tells you something."
Samardzija's ascension has coincided with Wood's struggles to stay healthy.
After missing 20 games with the blister problem, Wood pitched in one game (Tuesday) before suffering the back injury.
One day after suffering from back spasms, Wood reported to the park on Saturday, received more treatment and said he was ready to pitch.
"Just a bad day yesterday," he said.
But Wood didn't pitch Saturday, and won't pitch in closing situations immediately after he returns, whenever that may be.
"When he's ready, he's ready," Piniella said. "I don't anticipate it being long-term. Let's hope it's not as long as the finger."
Piniella couldn't say how long he will hold Wood out of the closer's role.
"Hopefully he'll be available soon," he said. "I don't see any reason why not. But when he gets back, he has only pitched one time in a month. We have to get him some work. The best way to get him some work, get his arm strength up, get him back to pitching shape, is by getting him some work in the middle."
Meanwhile, Samardzija has impressed in the early going, putting the pressure on Wood to return.
"We were really fortunate," general manager Jim Hendry said. "None of us assumed that blister was going to last that long, and we wanted to have one more harder-throwing guy. ? We knew he wouldn't be afraid but at the same time, you can't expect the guy, the first time up, performing like he has been in the pen.
"I don't think anyone a month ago envisioned Jeff in the ninth and 10th innings against the Cardinals in a tie game in a pennant race. He has handled himself admirably."
Could Samardzija become the closer in 2009, when Wood becomes a free agent, or will they move him into the rotation?
Piniella said he could perform in either role, "depending on what the organization's needs are."
Hendry said he's not thinking about next year.
"[Scouting director] Tim Wilken and I said, 'Down the road, he's either going to be one of your high-end starters or one of your late-inning relievers, and I don't know what he would be best at,' " Hendry said.
"You look at him up here, and it's hard not to think he could pitch in the eighth or ninth inning down the road."
Wood said he felt good enough to pitch Saturday in the Cubs' 12-3 loss to the Cardinals. But Piniella said the consensus among his coaches was that another day of rest would help. If Piniella has to go to his bullpen Sunday and doesn't use Wood, expect the Samardzija talk to get a little louder.
I have no data to support this....
but, in the past, dogs seem to come in more often than not in these Sunday night games in the later 3rd of the season. I'd be very leary of betting against the Cards here. This is their World Series and I still don't believe in Dempster.
bol
but, in the past, dogs seem to come in more often than not in these Sunday night games in the later 3rd of the season. I'd be very leary of betting against the Cards here. This is their World Series and I still don't believe in Dempster.
bol
agree its cards or nothing
June 8th is the last time a dog won on Sunday night and last week was the first time in forever a road team won.
Carpenter looked sharp his last outing silenceing man ram and the boys sticks.
Hallion is a pretty fair ump and shouldn't effect this much.
Game is much more important for the birds and after losing last Sunday night on nat. tv one would think they can get by their arch rivals.
agree about dempster and waiting for the implosion, but i've been waiting a gd long time.
15 cent chase steam for cubs in last 1/2 hour.
gl
STEEL CITY has St. L. that bugs the chit out of
me cause he da man. May pass on this game but
really think cubbies sneak out a win. Maybe the
under is the play. :00x32
me cause he da man. May pass on this game but
really think cubbies sneak out a win. Maybe the
under is the play. :00x32
St Louis and over is what I like at 1st glance. Im gonna study this one (have 2 hrs) but I probably gonna take those two bets....
Good to see a post from you BDB. You are one of
my favorites but you don't come here much
anymore and I know why and it's a shame. You
know fading myself IS AN OPTION :00hour
St. Louie it is :toast:
