It is interesting to note how the Cubs value pitchers.
The Cubs signed Jason Hammel for $6 million plus $1 million in incentives.
Hammel, 31, has pitched in 8 seasons in the majors. His record is 49-59, 4.80 ERA, 1.440 WHIP and career 6.89 WAR. In 2013, he was 7-8, 4.97 ERA in 139 IP, 1.457 WHIP, 0.0 WAR.
In contrast, Jeff Samardzija, 29, has played in 6 seasons. His record is 29-35, 4.19 ERA, 1.335 WHIP, 3.1 WAR. In 2013, he went 8-13, 4.34 ERA in 213.2 IP, 1.348 WHIP and 1.0 WAR.
Hammel is coming off injuries, while Samardzija has been a work horse starter.
However, the Cubs only offered Samardzija $4.4 million while Samardzija countered with $6.2 million in arbitration (which is fairly close to the Cubs own valuation of Hammel in the free agent market).
Is it the simple fact that the front office values "their own guys" more than holdover talent from the previous general manager?
