Since Big Deal: Cubs 0-2, Samardzija 1-0

July 7, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Let the record show that the Chicago Cubs’ record since they traded away pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Oakland A’s on July 4 is 0-2 and Oakland’s record is 2-0. And Smardzija’s record is 1-0. The statistical-analysis department at ElliottHarris.com was taking the day off Sunday when Samardzija won his Oakland debut, but your humble correspondent is fairly certain he has won more games since the trade than the Cubs have. But you just wait till 2017. Or is that 2071? Or whenever.

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* While Cubs fans wait for the team’s incredible abundance of prospects to develop into a dynasty, they can take solace the rotation’s former ace (Samardzija) was named to the National League pitching staff for the All-Star Game. And then replaced because he no longer is in the NL. Meaning shortstop Starlin Castro is the only Cub who will be on the NL team. Unless you want to count former Cubs — in which case third baseman Aramis Ramirez will be the starting third baseman.

* For Cubs fans disgruntled about the lack of their team’s players on the NL team, there still is hope. First baseman Anthony Rizzo — he of the .276 batting average with 17 home runs and 45 runs batted in — is among five players hoping to be voted in by fans. His numbers don’t really stack up to competition such as first baseman Justin Morneau (.316, 13 homers, 59 RBI) or Miami third baseman Casey McGehee (.320, 1 homer, 53 RBI). Rizzo is more comparable to Atlanta outfielder Justin Upton (.273, 17 homers, 50 RBI) or maybe Washington second baseman Anthony Rendon (.282, 12 homers, 50 RBI). But the one area in which Rizzo excels is being in the right location. None of the competitors plays in a city with the population of Chicago.

* White Sox on the American League all-star team are shortstop Alexei Ramirez and rookie first baseman Jose Abreu. Both were chosen as reserves in balloting by AL players. Both were deserving. Of course, that doesn’t prevent Sox fans from being upset. And for a change, they actually have a case.

* Failing to be named to the team but still holding out hope to be voted in by fans is Sox left-hander Chris Sale. He is 8-1 with a 2.16 earned-run average. With the July 15 game set for Target Field in Minneapolis, the Sox have started a marketing campaign of #targetsale on social media. For those wondering how Sale was not picked, feel free to start a conspiracy theory that says National League players crossed over for the balloting.

* As with any all-star game, there are snubs. One of these years, the All-Star Game should be a doubleheader with the AL snubs facing the NL snubs in the opener with the winning team earning homefield advantage for the seventh game of the World Series that season (meaning the contest is meaningless if there is no Game 7).

* Ex-Cub of the day: Samardzija allowed four hits and one run in seven innings in Oakland’s 4-2 victory vs. visiting Toronto. He walked one and struck out five. Most impressively, he went from a last-place team 10 games under .500 to a first-place team 22 games over .500.

* If it’s any consolation to Cubs fans (and the guess here is that it is not for most), the New York Yankees designated outfielder Alfonso Soriano for assignment. That move could end his playing career (though not the paying part of his career that the Cubs still are on the hook for).

* Oh, look, Cubs fans. Javy Baez and Kris Bryant homered for Class AAA Iowa. Jorge Soler homered for Class AA Tennessee. The Cubs’ quest for minor league organization of the year continues. And recently acquired Addison Russell goes 0-for-5 with two strikeouts for Tennessee. Minor-league performances are meaningful when players do well and meaningless when they don’t. Or something like that.

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