Cubs trade Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel to Athletics in 7-player trade

The Cubs would seem as deep in possible position players as any team in baseball, if not the deepest. However, the members of the next great Cubs starting rotation remain a mystery, and this deal does little to answer that. Straily is a back-end starter with a home-run launch rate that would make Wernher von Braun sick with envy. There’s a player to be named later; it seems unlikely that he’ll be Ferguson Jenkins: The Sequel as the A’s don’t have that pitcher in their system right now either.

It’s not like Samardzija and Hammel have records of sustained success either, but clearly Beane felt they were the safer bets going forward. Only time can bear out this judgment.

The reason for Hammel’s frustration was the early hook given to him by Cubs manager Rick Renteria, who pulled Hammel after 92 pitches. He allowed five hits, two runs, and two walks over six innings to earn the win, but still felt after the game that he was able to pitch deeper than allowed.

“I would have liked to have stayed out there in the seventh,” said Hammel. “I have no idea why I came out of the game but I honestly believe you learn how to pitch when you get to 100 pitches. If you’re not allowed to reach that, I think it’s hurting you more than helping. I guess it is what it is for right now.