Start Samardzija!

[HOLYCOW!25]

With the status of Big Z up in the air, I think now more then ever they need to have Samardzija start some games this month, give him a shot at it. That way we can at least see how he can handle starting, and if October comes around and (knock on wood) we find that Zambrano isn't able to pitch, at least we'll have a better option then Marquis. Experience or not, I don't trust Marquis to pitch in a big game in the playoffs. Not saying I trust Samardzija either at this point, but that's why they should have him start so we can at least have an answer to that question one way or the other.

[thisistheday]

I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Samardzija get a start... it would be an opportunity for him to further prove himself. But I have a soft spot for Sean Marshall and feel good with him playing the fill-in roll.

[HEYHEY]

Look's like both will get their chance. I say throw Lieber out there. Lou should shut Z down now and Harden. Don't need to be accused of pulling a Dusty at this point

[Bockstock]

I don't think he's stretched out enough after a month and a half in the bullpen.

[ryno4ever]

Has there been any word on what the doctor said about Z? Leiber is an option, but he scares me.... his last start with us was disasterous. Jeff S could be an option, but I really like his arm out of the pen. It's kinda late to try to stretch him back out... but with the callups, he wouldn't have to go very deep.

Let's all just hope and pray there is no structural damage to Z.... we really REALLY need him!

[Wrigleys Peanut Vendor]

If we need one new guy in the rotation, its Marshall. Hes done it before and done it somewhat effectivley. Dempster is still a rock, and hell even Marquis has been good as of late. Mix in Lilly there and the cubs can get by. You dont want to pull Samardzija out of his role, which he has been great in.

Kevin Hart can start right? if so, put him i tere too if needed

[ryno4ever]

Has Hart started since he came off the DL? I thought I read somewhere that he was closing for Iowa. If that is the case, I really don't know how hard it is or how much time it takes to get a guy who has been working in relief stretched out to be a starter.

[Bockstock]

Hart's stuff isn't good enough to start

[Doba]

I'd like to see it.

[Bims]

Samardzija would need time to be stretched out into a starter. That takes a little while. And the season is almost over, so their is no point to it. And even is Samardzija was ready to be a starter I'd much rather have Marshall out there. Marshall has been very solid for the Cubs this season in every role he has been asked to play. He has a loose arm, and can be stretched out and ready to start and any given time.

[ryno4ever]

Not to mention, when Marshall has his good stuff going, I LOVE watching his curve ball!

[LeeEila's/rant]

If you are going to start Zija , don't do it so soon . The less the other teams see him the better chance he has for success .