MLB Rumors: Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs In Talks About Jeff Samardzija?
By Andrew Dill
May 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) follows through on a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
With the Colorado Rockies coming off of a disastrous road trip while collecting a record of 2-7, they find themselves back at .500 entering action Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a record of 28-28.
Colorado is in some desperate need of some pitching in the back-end of their rotation as Juan Nicasio and Franklin Morales have been wildly inconsistent. Heck, even one of their top pitchers in Jhoulys Chacin has scuffled since coming back from shoulder inflammation.
Thus sparks the rumors of the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs talking about a possible trade for starter Jeff Samardzija. Jeff has pitched exceptionally well for the Cubs this season, but his record doesn’t prove it. The righty is currently 1-5 on the season with an ERA of 2.54, but the Cubs are scoring just 2.33 runs per game that Samardzija starts. Coming to Colorado could change that.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports believes the Colorado Rockies make the most sense to land the former tight-end in college.
"Of the contending teams with high, tradable picks, the Colorado Rockies, choosing 35th, make the most sense. Chicago executives Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are creative enough, too, to consider three-team deals with an asset as valuable as Samardzija, like Price not a free agent until after next season."
Sure, Colorado would likely be getting a rental in Samardzija, but he’s the best option to slide into that rotation at this point in time. Still unsure what Colorado would have to give up besides the 35th pick, but it shouldn’t be much. Colorado has already taken a blow in the rotation with two of their most prominent pitchers in Tyler Chatwood (elbow) and Brett Anderson (finger) hitting the disabled list earlier on in the season.
Should the Rockies try to acquire Jeff Samardzija, even if it’s just a rental? Absolutely. Show the passionate Rockies fans for once that this team and ownership is serious about winning and now.