That Shark Has Sailed

No Cubs cruise ship for this guy.

Jeff Samardzija, aka, The Shark, has decided to prey near the warm water of the Pacific ocean. I had hoped he would return to the Friendly Confines, but, apparently, his dinner date out west was more appetizing.  He accepted a five-year deal with the San Francisco Giants for $90 million.  I wish I could reap as much money from a prior year of failure in my job like what Jeff just succeeded in accomplishing.   Baseball-a warped profession that rewards sub-par performances.  Go eight-figure figure.

Cubs fans were left with a more economically priced St. Louis Cardinal leftover.  Free agent, John Lackey, has reportedly signed a two-year contract for $32 million. Putting aside the fact that he played for a team we despise, let's examine his numbers.  At age 37, his lifetime ERA is a respectable 3.92.  He produced the lowest ERA ever with the Cards last year at 2.77 and proved his continued longevity by pitching 218 innings, the most since playing for the Los Angeles Angels in 2007.  It's also nice to remember that in 2013 he was the winning pitcher for the Boston Red Sox against the hated Cardinals in game 6 of the World Series.  That wasn't the first time he clinched a championship for his club.  When he played for the former Anaheim Angels during his rookie year in 2002, he won game 7 and celebrated a Fall Classic victory with his teammates.  Over his career, Lackey has proven himself to be a true Texan.  Resilient and tough.

Theo and the Cubs have bolstered the starting rotation at a great price. They also recently signed former Colorado Rockie, Rex Brothers, to a short-term pitching contract.  Management has tendered offers to the following players, per Cubs reporter Carrie Muskat.  The fact that money is owed to arbitration-eligible players has played a large part in the team not going after high-priced free agents this year like David Price and Zack Greinke who went to the Boston Red Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks, respectively.

So, in other words, let's embrace the fact that John is a Chicago Cub now.  Forget he beat us in the NLDS this year. If his former teammate and friend Jon Lester can, then we can too.  Next year he's on our side.  Let's find a solution to other shortages in the outfield and leadoff spot.  A new season is quickly approaching.  If someone would like to send me to the Winter Meetings that would be a nice Christmas present!  Let's Go Cubs!!!