San Francisco Giants: Jeff Samardzija not picking his spots
Much as he did in 2015 with the White Sox, San Francisco Giants starter Jeff Samardzija is getting hit really hard in 2016 – and it’s still only March…
No one likes to put a lot of worth into a player’s Spring Training numbers. For hitters, it’s a time to tweak their swing, explore different plate approaches and let the younger guys get some at-bats or find a groove. For pitchers, new offerings are being worked on and other variants to their wind up or release may be tinkered with. But right now, the San Francisco Giants have to ask themselves — was signing Jeff Samardzija the right move?
Coming off his worst full season as a professional, Samardzija did not impress in his contract year with the Chicago White Sox in 2015. Despite an 11-13 record, a 4.96 ERA with a 4.23 FIP and having led the league with the most hits and home runs surrendered by a pitcher (228 & 29), Samardzija was able to land a lucrative deal with a well respected organization.
On December 9, 2015, the Giants inked a then 30-year-old right-hander to a five year, $90MM deal. He’s set to make $10.8MM in 2016, then $19.8MM every year thereafter. For the Giants and their future plans, if Samardzija’s 2016 season is anything like last year, his contract and years left on it will likely be unmovable.
Against the A’s on Monday night, Samardzija lasted six full innings, but was again hit hard. He threw a blend of splitters, sliders and fastballs that at times looked un-hittable. Problem was, he gave up six hits and two home runs, resulting in six earned runs. It bumped his spring ERA to 8.53. His command has not been terrible though, as he has given up only for walks in the preseason. It’s picking his spots with certain pitches that has hurt him.
After Monday’s slate of games, Samardzija’s ERA is tied for the highest of any pitcher who has thrown over 12 innings this spring. Bud Norris also sits at 8.53, and he was written off completely in 2015. Norris put up a 6.72 ERA with the Orioles and Padres last year amidst also spending time pitching in as low as Double-A.
While Samardzija struggles, it’s not a dire situation, yet. He could very well go on to have a productive year. But the fact remains that while normally great pitchers like Clayton Kershaw (1.80), Zack Greinke (1.88) and Corey Kluber (0.64) all have dominant numbers and ERA’s well below 2.00 against a number of prospects this spring, Samardzija is being grouped into the same category as Norris and John Danks (7.98). Neither of those two pitcher’s are going to compete for any individual awards this regular season.
The spring numbers are not enticing at the moment with Samardzija. Factoring in that Madison Bumgarner is somehwat banged up along with Johnny Cueto and Matt Cain being a huge question mark regarding long-term health, Samardzija shouldn’t be asked or expected to shoulder the load in the Giants’ rotation. Right now, he’s having a tough enough time getting fringe MLB players out at the dish.
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Time will tell if Jeff Samardzija is worth the contract the San Francisco Giants are paying him. But there is reason for concern. In Tim Lincecum, the Giants cast an error in judgement with previous deals offered to him. It appears as though the club went all-in with their rotation this offseason. It’s an even numbered year, so many expect San Francisco to compete. But will Jeff Samardzija?