2009 Chicago Cubbies Season Outlook: Mike Fontenot and Jeff Samardzija

Our Chicago Cubs season preview continues as I take a took that adorable little Mike Fontenot and the less adorable Jeff Samardzija.

Mike Fontenot played baseball at LSU with current Cubs teammate Ryan Theriot. Fontenot came to the Cubs organization as part of the Sammy Sosa trade in 2005. At that time, he was nothing more than a minor league second baseman who potentially could make it to the big leagues as a September call up, maybe. However, within two years the 5-8 Cajun forced the Cubs hand and made it to the show.

During the early part of 2007, the Cubs were struggling. After a combination of injuries, player departures, and poor performance by regulars, Mike Fontenot got the call and packed his bags for Wrigleyville. The left handed batting Fontenot was quickly inserted into the lineup and showed instantly he was not overwhelmed by big league pitching.

Fontenot ended the 2007 season by appearing in 86 games, batting .278 with 3 HRs, 12 2B, 4 3B, and an OBP of .336. While displaying surprising production at the plate, he also showed solid work with the glove including several spectacular defensive stops at second base. Despite a solid opening season, many ended 2007 openly wondering whether or not Fontenot could produce again in 2008. Not only did he produce, he got better.

Fontenot made the big league club out of Spring Training in 2008 as a backup/alternating second baseman to Mark DeRosa. As the season progressed and Kosuke Fukudome regressed a bit, Fontenot’s value increased. He afforded manager Lou Piniella the option to start Fontenot at second, get a left handed bat into the Cubs right handed heavy lineup, and play DeRosa in right field. In 119 games, Fontenot ended up hitting .305 with 9 HRs, 22 2B, with a .395 OBP.

As we get closer to Opening Day 2009, Mike Fontenot has essentially locked up being the starter at second base. He’s absolutely raked in Spring Training so far and the Cubs are banking on him doing more of the same once the real games begin.

The adorable Mike Fontenot during his pregame ritual with Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano

The other Cubs player for today is pitcher Jeff Samardzija aka the Shark.  Despite having a successful football career at Notre Dame, the Shark chose to make his living on the diamond. He signed in January 2007 for 5 years and $10 million after being selected by the Cubs in the 2006 Amatuer Draft. Despite mixed results, he quickly shot through the minors and in July 2008 joined the Chicago Cubs.

Samardzija joined the Cubs as a middle reliever and quickly displayed the live arm the Cubs saw from Day 1. The Shark has an explosive fastball that hits 98 mph with a slight tail inside on righties and away from lefties. He displayed decent enough command with it to get hitters down in the count. However, his success depends on the ability to locate his splitter.

There were countless times the Shark got hitters down 0-2 or 1-2, then threw a less than stellar splitter which resulted in a hit. He does have a changeup and slider, but as a middle reliever he mostly sticks with two pitches. Overall, Samardzija did have a productive time in the pen as he pitched 27 2/3 innings, finished with a 1-0 record, 2.28 ERA, 25 Ks, and 3 holds.

The Shark started 2009 Spring Training with a shot to start, but has had a borderline disastrous Spring which has essentially ended those hopes. He will now look to secure a spot in the bullpen for 2009. He has all the tools physically to be a very good late inning/setup man for the Cubs, he just needs to find a consistent feel for his pitches to get there.

Rolf’s 2009 prophecy for Adorable Mike Fontenot – .301 avg, 12 Hrs, 54 RBIs, and a .384 OBP. MARK IT DOWN!!!!

Rolf’s 2009 prophecy for Jeff Samardzija – late inning relief, 4-2 record, 3.45 ERA with 73 Ks in 74 innings. MARK IT DOWN!!!!