$10 million over 5 years. $8 million guaranteed. I think it's a good move. Here are excerpts from an article which explains the situation: The Cubs drafted Samardzija in the fifth round of MLB’s draft last June following three seasons at Notre Dame, during which he posted a 21-6 record with a 3.82 career ERA. They awarded him a $250,000 signing bonus despite his intentions at the time to pursue both baseball and football. Last summer, Samardzija pitched for Class A Boise and Peoria, where he finished a combined 1-2 with a 2.70 earned run average. He struck out 17 and walked 12 in 30 innings. Samardzija is expected to begin the season at Class A Peoria under new manager Ryne Sandberg, according to the Chicago Tribune. Samardzija released the following statement to the University of Notre Dame Friday afternoon, January 19: “I am pleased to announce that today I have reached an agreement on a five–year Major League contract with the Chicago Cubs. Consequently, I will devote my full time and attention to professional baseball and forego a potential career in the National Football League. I am honored to be given the opportunity to pursue this career path as a member of the Chicago Cubs. This is a dream come true for a kid who grew up in Northern Indiana looking up the road at this great city and its loyal fans. I feel very comfortable that this is exactly where I belong. “Obviously, my decision means I have played my last football game. That does not mean I have lost my passion for the game. I will always love football. My four years at Notre Dame – playing for the Fighting Irish – were amazing. I could not have asked for more from my teammates, our fans, and our coaches. I appreciate fully that another amazing experience awaited me in the NFL. But, as much as it seemed like a real possibility last summer, I have concluded that playing two sports professionally is impossible. “I understand that some people may be skeptical of my intentions. I cannot lie: leaving football will not be easy. But playing baseball is my first love. It is what I want to do for a living. “I want to thank the Chicago Cubs and the Tribune Company for helping make this happen. I want to especially thank Jim Hendry. His belief in me and my passion for baseball never wavered. He took a chance on me last summer, and he waited patiently while I did what I wanted to do. Today, I hope Jim feels rewarded for that patience. In addition, I want to thank Paul Mainieri and Charlie Weis, my two head coaches at Notre Dame. The two of them figured out a way to allow me to live out my dream of playing two sports in college. None of this would have been possible without their understanding and cooperation. “Finally, I want to thank my family and everyone who has been so supportive for so long. No one gets to this point in their life without love and support. I am blessed to have an abundance of both. “In closing, I want to let Cubs fans know that I am committed to their team and their goal – to bring a World Series championship to this great franchise. I only hope I can be a part of that someday.”
I think I read that he got a multi million dollar contract for making this move. I can't blame him, he has a much better chance of having a long career in baseball. Good luck to him.
Not so fast, my friend. Many great players were once with the Cubs.......then moved on. Greg Maddux comes to mind. Who knows? The Cubs might shock the world someday and - gasp - win the world championship with JS in the rotation. If he stays or goes......or even flames out........he has an $8 million head start on real life. Good move.
Good luck to him...he's a helluva athlete. I hope that baseball is the right choice for him...it must be hard when you are so talented at different big time sports and you have to decide...
Baseball oblivion might be bad but there's the friendly confines and Chicago itself. It at least negates the possibility of being drafted by the Lions, oblivion if there ever was.
He's going to start the season in Peoria in the Midwest League, which means he and his manager, Ryne Sandberg, will be coming to Ft. Wayne to play the Wizards. I'm excited.
The Cubs....they're just like Linda Lovelace...they choke on the Big one. Heh heh heh..... HOW 'BOUT THEM CARDINALS BABY!!!!