Jeff Samardzija picks Cubs over NFL!!!

**gocubs2118** · 01-19-2007, 02:43 PM

Was not expecting this. IMO this is a bad move for him, he was projected to be a 2nd round pick and could have made more money. The only reason why I can see he did this was because he doesnt want to be hit by 250 pound linebackers going across the middle. I guess he prolonged his career by about 5 years by doing this... If he does well in baseball.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/m...=.jsp&c_id=chc

**clone52** · 01-19-2007, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

Was not expecting this. IMO this is a bad move for him, he was projected to be a 2nd round pick and could have made more money. The only reason why I can see he did this was because he doesnt want to be hit by 250 pound linebackers going across the middle. I guess he prolonged his career by about 5 years by doing this... If he does well in baseball.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/m...=.jsp&c_id=chc

Maybe its not just about the money. A five year guarenteed Major League contract ($380,000 league minimum) is pretty solid. Definately enough to get by on. Maybe the guy really enjoys baseball more than football.

**C.John** · 01-19-2007, 02:51 PM

Didn't he also get a very nice signing bonus from the Cubs last spring? I recall some numbers thrown around before he pitched those seven games in the minors. I may be wrong though.

**C.John** · 01-19-2007, 02:56 PM

From ESPN last June. Link

Samardzija's deal is for five years and worth up to $7.25 million, a source close to Samardzija told ESPN's Joe Schad.

**joepublic** · 01-19-2007, 03:10 PM

Yes! More Cub pitching to feast on.

**CYdTracked** · 01-19-2007, 03:59 PM

Baseball is more guarunteed money than the NFL and the kid throws a 97 MPH fastball already. If baseball is your passion then you might as well stick with it exclusively because pitchers that can throw high 90's for strikes get paid pretty well in baseball last time I checked.

**joepublic** · 01-19-2007, 04:40 PM

Alot of guys can throw 97. Not a lot of guys can throw 97 and locate it.

**mwitt** · 01-19-2007, 04:51 PM

You'd have to pay me over $7 million to play for the Cubs, too.

**cyclonenum1** · 01-19-2007, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

Was not expecting this. IMO this is a bad move for him, he was projected to be a 2nd round pick and could have made more money. The only reason why I can see he did this was because he doesnt want to be hit by 250 pound linebackers going across the middle. I guess he prolonged his career by about 5 years by doing this... If he does well in baseball.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/m...=.jsp&c_id=chc

Did you watch the Irish play against USC and LSU? He looked like he was running in cement shoes...way too slow to be a big-time NFL receiver. His stock would have fallen further in the pre-draft camps when they timed him. Probably could have made it as a short throw possession type receiver but he would have had to put on some serious muscle and toughen up to do it.

**CyCy** · 01-19-2007, 10:29 PM

Saw an article today where he has signed a new 10 million dollar 5 year contract.

I remember when Mike Busch of ISU had to pick between baseball and football. He had been voted the Big 8 male athlete of the year his senior season. Picked baseball and never quite made it. Played parts of a couple seasons in the majors and the last I heard he was a minor league manager.

**Wesley** · 01-19-2007, 10:34 PM

Cubs go through pitchers like a bear goes through a salmon river feast.

**JonDMiller** · 01-19-2007, 10:52 PM

I think it was a very wise move. I doubt he would have made the kind of money he is now guaranteed in baseball, during his entire football career.

**jkoo** · 01-19-2007, 10:58 PM

REASONS WHY SAMARDZIJA CHOSE THE CUBS:
1. you can't go wrong with guaranteed money (10 mil for rookie)
2. baseball as he said "is my first love"
3. life expectancy for baseball players is A LOT higher. (football players have a life expectancy of like 65)

**cyclonenum1** · 01-20-2007, 08:10 AM

Just saw on ESPN where Kiper had this guy as the 3rd highest rated receiver in the draft. I still think his stock would have fallen after the draft camps due to his lack of speed.

In my opinion baseball certainly is a better gig due to guaranteed contracts and typically longer careers with less punishment to the body. Hey, this kid is no dummy...he did go to Notre Dame.