Levine: Jeff Samardzija Could Make Historic Opening Day Start
By Bruce Levine-
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- After a foot injury to ace left-hander Chris Sale, the most likely Opening Day starter for the Chicago White Sox is right-hander Jeff Samardzija, and the irony of making opening starts for both Cubs and White Sox in back-to-back seasons isn't lost on the northwest Indiana native.
"Let's not count Chris out of the start," Samardzija advised. "He is a very competitive person.T he rest of us just have to do our work and be ready when called upon."
Samardzija was the Cubs' Opening Day starter in both 2013 and 2014.
"I am going to be ready to pitch," Samardzija said. "Nothing changes for us -- we will all be ready to go. To me it doesn't matter what game I pitch. As long as they hand me the ball, I will be willing to do my best."
Asked if the pressure of having the team's No. 1 pitcher down could have an impact on the rest of the rotation, Samardzija preached mental toughness.
"There is always more pressure every year to keep performing and keep proving yourself," he said. "In sports, people always want to put timelines on careers. As a player you become meticulous about being 100 percent prepared to play. As long as you are prepared and healthy, you can build off of the previous year and learn from your mistakes."
Despite a lack of offense behind him with the Cubs the past two seasons, Samardzija continued to grow into a top-of-the-line starter. He has averaged more than 200 innings and nearly 200 strikeouts over the past three seasons.
Looking at the other rotation candidates for the White Sox, Samardzija loves the opportunity that Carlos Rodon, the team's first-round pick in 2014, will receive with Sale down for at least three weeks.
"Early in my career I was happy to get a couple starts in early in camp," Samardzija said. "Whether they went well or not, I was able to show the moment wasn't too big for me. What I learned about Carlos so far is he loves to compete, and he wants this opportunity. When you get these chances, you want to make the most out of them. I have enjoyed watching him pitch. He has a great head on his shoulders. We know for a fact we will need him to pitch sooner or later. You want him to get ready for the season."
Samardzija will be a free agent after the 2015 season. He and his agents will more than likely wait until November before signing a long-term deal .He will respectfully listen to White Sox proposals throughout the season.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.