As the Chicago Cubs continue to let their very young talent develop in the Minor Leagues, it comes as no surprise that they are well on their way to another last-place finish in 2014. Do not blame the starting pitching, however. As of May 6, the Cubs rotation has a combined ERA of 3.54, good for seventh in the National League. In addition, the Cubs’ rotation ranks fifth in fewest runs allowed — earned or unearned.
It is the offense that has once again sputtered. As play begins on May 6, the Cubs have scored an average of only 3.76 runs per game, ranking them 13th in the National League with 113 runs. This trend has especially affected the win-loss record of their best starting pitcher, Jeff Samardzija.
Jeff Samardzija is winless in seven starts so far on the season: 0-3. However, he has pitched well enough to win every start. He has an ERA of 1.62, second in the National League. More so, Samardzija has allowed three runs in only one of those starts, and he has two starts with zero earned runs allowed, including a nine-inning outing against the White Sox on May 5. Yet, he has not won a game this season.
So, how does a starting pitcher have a record of 0-3 with a 1.62 ERA in seven starts? Offense — or lack thereof — is the reason. Again, the Cubs have averaged only 3.76 runs per game, and that includes their three 8+-run games in April. In his three losses, Samardzija allowed a total of six runs in 19.2 innings. That is terrific pitching. However, the Cubs’ offense has scored a total of three runs in those games.
Via Twitter, I asked Carrie Muskat, Chicago Cubs beat writer for MLB.com, where Jeff Samardzija ranks in terms of run support in the National League. Muskat graciously replied:
@RayBureau Samardzija is tied for 5th among NL starting pitchers in fewest run support with a 2.16 average. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) May 6, 2014
This type of run support is nothing new for Samardzija. In his first two years as a full-time starter, he has an ERA of 4.10 in 61 games — not great but very respectable. Yet, his record is just 17-26. He has pitched well enough to earn a contract worth $5.345 million this year, and he should get a very nice raise through arbitration before next season. The Cubs should also sign him long-term to keep that ace in Wrigley Field as the young talent begins to blossom and make the Majors to stay.
Jeff Samardzija is not the National League’s best pitcher, but he is among the league’s top. He is also the Cubs’ true ace. The offense needs to step it up and provide him with the run support he needs to win. The front office needs to step it up and provide him with the contract that will benefit both sides.