Jeff Samardzija

Jeff Samardzija, Chicago Cubs (P): Samardzija looks more like a Major League pitcher than an All-American wide receiver. “That’s a big transformation, and that’s a really profound statement as far as I’m concerned. It says he’s making the adjustments and really stepping forward and looking like a Major League pitcher,” manager Lou Piniella said.

The two sport star at Notre Dame committed to baseball full-time when the Cubs drafted him in the fifth round in 2006. He was on a rapid pace to reach the big leagues when he joined the bullpen in 2008. In 26 games he had a 2.28 ERA. It was a good situation for him to be in. “It was the pennant race and I enjoy playing in those situations as opposed to non-pennant race situations,” Samardzija said. He likes being on the big stage. “It almost doesn’t give you too much time to think, which, being a young guy happens a lot,” he said.

With Ted Lilly not expected to be ready for Opening Day, there are two rotation spots open, which Samardzija would like to win. Koyie Hill, a Cubs catcher in camp, said he can tell that he has been working on his breaking ball and he looks as good as he has seen him. The curveball was Samardzija’s offseason project and he worked on refining the hard slurve in winter ball. Hill said, “He took a lot of initiative this offseason and really worked hard and you can tell.”

“He’s got natural talent. It’s just a question of refining it,” Piniella said. The Cubs need a refined Samardzija to have a legitimate shot at the NL Central title. It is a stage that he thrives in.

Jay Bruce

Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds (OF): Bruce was the top rated prospect in 2008 when he was promoted to much fanfare in May. He reached base in his first six plate appearances and collected 11hits in his first 19 at-bats. Though he could not continue the hot streak, he did have a solid rookie season.

2009 was not a season Bruce or the Reds were expecting. He missed two months with a fractured right wrist while attempting a sliding catch. It was the first time he had to deal with adversity. “Everyone should deal with adversity, and I’m going to use it as a positive to come back this year and be the player that I know I can be,” Bruce said. In 101 games, Bruce hit just .223 with a .303 on-base percentage. Discipline at the plate has been an issue as he struck out 75 times with 38 walks. The other concern is that he needs to prove that he can hit left-handed pitching (a .210 average with just 2 homeruns in 2009).

The good signs are that his wrist is healthy and he hit .326 with 4 homeruns and 17 RBIs in his final 18 games. All indications are that Bruce will be the everyday right fielder and defensively he is good, as he had 11 outfield assists in 2009.

“Every season is important,” Bruce said. For the Reds to challenge for a playoff berth, they will need Bruce to produce in the middle of the lineup (probably will again bat sixth). “Success breeds confidence,” Bruce said. “I still have confidence from my first couple of weeks in the big leagues. It showed me I could do it then, and there is no reason to think I can’t do it again.”