Pitching is a completely different story. I see no evidence that the prices will come down.

I think it will for career 4 ERA pitchers.

Runs per game is going down each year in recent years...a 4 ERA isn't what it was in the late 90's or early millennium. Teams have got to realize that.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

I guess we'll see.

Where is Samardzija ranked in terms of starting pitchers in all of MLB? In the 20's?

The pay is largely relative to recent similar signings most often

It doesn't need to be. That is up to the owners and general managers though.

But at some point, they've got to realize that $17M a season to an above average pitcher isn't cost effective. Spend that $17M on a top tier hitter and you're getting more for your money.

If Samardzija was a proven commodity, one who always pitched with sub 3 ERA's and didn't have late season woes and this would be a different conversation.

But he is just a guy. A 29 year old guy, even.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Considering he is a similar pitcher to Garza, Shark can expect a contract offer of about $50M and a bag of dicks.

Everyone knows that Bailey's contract was a horrible overpaid signing though. Its coming off like " I know its a ridiculous contract but I should get that as well". Id tell him to pound sand. Would love to see him traded and then when his FA comes along have him have to accept something similar or lower to what the Cub just offered. Like you said guess we'll have to wait and see.

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Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

I have a feeling both Samardzija and Scherzer are going to regret turning down the deals they did.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

When he hasn't been pitching against the Sox, Scherezer has really sucked lately.

I still want the Cubs to pick up at least one of Lester, Scherezer, Masterson and Shields this offseason.

Really? I had no idea that happened. Thanks for posting that, IMU! Really good stuff!

Scherzer went out 5 days later and gave up 8 runs to KC and didn't make it out of the 4th. Clearly he is a damn good pitcher, but as I said I think he will regret turning down the giant contract he did.

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You mean to tell me that trolling the other team's fans isn't always scintillating entertainment?!

You surprise me. I would think that your response to that post of mine would be either brushing it off as a small shot or completely ignoring it based on how well you handle bigf...

Nevermind.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Arietta threw a gem against the Marlins earlier this week. Better sign him to a $180million deal.

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As bad as it looks now, another huge difference between Bailey and Shark is that Bailey was nearing his walk year. The Red basically had to go that high if they wanted to keep one of their home-grown youngish pitchers. The Cub can go to arbitration with him and he'll still get like $8-$9mm, but they were basically buying out 3 of his FA years for a number we all suspect JS would turn down. It's not Sherzer-level nuts, but Shark is gambling here he'll be the same pitcher in 2 years and not get hurt.

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1926-1931-1934-1942-1944-1946-1964-1967-1982-2006-2011

The Cubs and Blue Jays can't agree on a deal for pitcher Jeff Samardzija, according to FoxSports.com.
The Cubs are willing to make a deal, but Toronto is hesitant to meet Chicago's demands. The Cubs are reportedly asking for three prospects, pitcher Aaron Sanchez, pitcher Daniel Norris and outfielder Dalton Pompey. The Blue Jays are rumored to be willing to part with maybe one or two of those players, but do not want to deal all three. Samardzija is expected to be dealt by the trade deadline. He owns a 2.53 ERA over 103 innings.



If they HAVE to trade him, a Daniel Norris type (knocking on the door of MLB) sounds good

I'd do it today if the Cubs could get both Sanchez and Norris. Forget the outfield prospect, or any other prospect. Jay's highest and third highest prospects? Yes please.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Yeah, pretty sure that's not going to happen. It's probably one (Norris) or the other and the outfielder and one more

Why do you think Norris is closer? Sanchez has an additional year in the system and is in AAA rather than AA.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Eff that. If they give the 3 player package we'll be lucky if 1 of the 3 is as good as Shark. Stand firm.

Can't knock the Cubs for asking or the Jays for saying no. But man, fingers crossed the Cardinals injuries (or any of the other AL East teams) bump that price back up to all 3!

yeah if Toronto is dumb enough to part with those two pitchers, that's a major coup for the Cub. Add in the fact that Shark would get lit up in the AL. East ( even with better run support from Toronto )

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Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

That's who I meant. I mixed up the two.

Sanchez is who Id want

Aaron Sanchez????


Holy Stromboli! That guy's a homo! The Cubbies should at least be able to get a Scott Conant or Chris Santos for Samardzija!

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Guy Fieri is co-owner of Johnny Garlic's and Tex Wasabi's Restaurants

what the hell is so great about this sanchez guy?

He's young!! The stats will come!!

How many times have I heard that one?

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Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

Hell, package up Vogelbach with Shark if they reeeeaaaally want those 3. Bautista isn't getting younger and fatty could possibly be a nice slugger for them.

Nothing yet.

But as far as prospects go, Id like em ranked high and near mlb ready. He's both.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Maybe I'm being too Cutty with this, but Shark was PISSED about that ball that went past Rizzo and ended up being a triple last night. Not sure if the TV showed it, but he used some unbecoming language as he was going to his cut off spot.

I'd be pissed too if I'm delaying my trade date by sucking.

Perfect through 5 against the Reds tonight.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Make it 6.