Jeff Samardzija

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 5:01 pm

I just saw on ESPN that Jeff Samardzija has signed a 5-year deal with the Cubs and will not play in the NFL.

Too bad. I kinda like the guy and wanted to see how he would do in the NFL. I think he is a pretty good receiver with size and deceptive speed. Good luck, Jeff.

Skinsfan55 · Post by **Skinsfan55** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 12:21 am

I love baseball... it's my favorite sport... but football just seems like a much surer bet IMO.

He would have been a decently high pick with a big contract (though his baseball contract is probably more secure.)

I guess maybe he figured that baseball is better for his long term health if his ability in both is equal.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 12:26 am

He is going to find out that he isnt that good at baseball and come running back. They always do. I personally think it is a big mistake.

CPallDAY08 · Post by **CPallDAY08** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 1:13 am

It was a very smart move on his choice. 10 mil guarenteed money. If he would have gone into the NFL he would have gotten a bigger contract but not nearly as much money guarenteed. Very smart move on his part. He throws 98mph, comeon now.

UK Skins Fan · Post by **UK Skins Fan** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:52 am

Baseball is for girls.

BearSkins · Post by **BearSkins** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 11:06 am

Smart move on his part, indeed. No guarantee he would make it in the NFL and what is the average NFL career anyway? 3 years? He'll do okay with the Cubbies.

Cricket is for girls

UK Skins Fan · Post by **UK Skins Fan** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 11:14 am

As far as the England cricket team is concerned, you might be right.

die cowboys die · Post by **die cowboys die** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 3:19 pm

this makes me happy because it proves my long-standing belief that this guy is a total schmuck.

anyone who would choose baseball over football should be banned from football, and never allowed to step on a football field ever again. should never have been allowed to play in the first place. truly pathetic.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 5:48 pm

CPallDAY08 wrote:It was a very smart move on his choice. 10 mil guarenteed money. If he would have gone into the NFL he would have gotten a bigger contract but not nearly as much money guarenteed. Very smart move on his part. He throws 98mph, comeon now.

I take it back. I just pulled up his stats. He is like 30-3 as a starting pitcher and can throw 98-99mph. My bad I was just thinking of the Drew Henson fiasco that happened a couple years back. The money was a smart move. I just dont think in his heart he will truely be happy not knowing what could have been in the NFL. Once you get football in your blood there is no going back. Overall it was a smart choice. From a diehard football players point of view bad move. Heck why not do both. Bo did it. Deon? Why not Samarja. He was such a good talent hate to see that just go to waste. I had him at my number two best receiver in the draft ahead of Ted Gin Jr. Just behind C.J. though. He is like a faster Ed Macaffrey.

CPallDAY08 · Post by **CPallDAY08** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 6:13 pm

As awesome as it would be for him to play both football and baseball, these days it would be almost impossible. You would only be able to play at most 2/3 or half of each season. Not to mention the physical and mental strain that would be involved.

He said he is done with football, no mas.

Countertrey · Post by **Countertrey** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 6:16 pm

Some team that has the right situation will use a later round pick to gain the rights to him. It's not a bad bet. Historically, it is a much tougher transition into baseball than into football, and a 98 MPH fastball alone is no guarantee that one will become a star pitcher. An awful lot of excellent baseball prospects never stick...

There is a better than even chance that he will be back in football in 2-3 years. Some team may get themselves a deceptively fast scrappy football player.

SkinsJock · Post by **SkinsJock** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:59 pm

This choice is a great indicator that he would never have had the mental capacity to make the transition from college to the NFL.

Not very smart, Samardizja :wink:

PulpExposure · Post by **PulpExposure** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:42 pm

Just looking at it from a career standpoint, baseball is a smarter choice.

Guarenteed contracts, less wear & tear on the body, far less intensive a sport.

I love football...and find baseball as interesting as I found calculus in undergrad (which is to say, it sucks), but...if I had a choice between my son having a career in football and baseball, it's not even a close push.

He won't limp away from a long baseball career a cripple.

BearSkins · Post by **BearSkins** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:42 am

It is funny that the consensus here is that this is a bad move. On a Cubs board I visit the opposite view is held. Seems like opinions are clouded over this depending on your fave sport of choice!

Would have been nice to follow the career of a 2-sport guy but when was the last time it was done (successfully). I don't remember too much about Sanders baseball career but was he not average at best? Bo Jackson? How long did he last?

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 12:19 am

BearSkins wrote:It is funny that the consensus here is that this is a bad move. On a Cubs board I visit the opposite view is held. Seems like opinions are clouded over this depending on your fave sport of choice!

Would have been nice to follow the career of a 2-sport guy but when was the last time it was done (successfully). I don't remember too much about Sanders baseball career but was he not average at best? Bo Jackson? How long did he last?

BO was tremendous outfielder ALL star caliber every year. You know he was the man at football as well. It was sad to see his career end due to a HIp injury. He know has a plastic hip. But there is no doubt he would have been the greatest Running back ever.