Jeff Samardzija still in search of elusive first win

It’s almost unbelievable to think you could pitch as well as the Chicago Cubs’ Jeff Samardzija has and not have fallen into a win somehow. But it’s his cruel reality right now.

After blowing a 2-0 lead in the ninth, the Cubs went on to lose to the New York Yankees 4-2 in 13 innings on Wednesday. Samarzdija once again did all he could, pitching seven scoreless inning while allowing only four hits. But the bullpen and the Cubs defense let him down, leaving him still searching for his first win.

Samardzija leads all of baseball with a 1.46 ERA, and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Sadly, as he becomes the pitcher Cubs fans had hoped for, his time as a Cub is likely nearing an end.

The Cubs front office and Samardzija’s agent agreed to not discuss an extension during the season, leaving the trade deadline the likely time of solution for the Cubs and Samardzija. At this point in time, while all speculation, it’s highly unlikely he finishes this year with the Cubs.

The return the Cubs would demand for him would be high, similar or better than the package they received for Matt Garza in the trade with the Texas Rangers. That deal, which brought prospect C.J. Edwards, as well as Mike Olt, Justin Grimm, and Neil Ramirez, is looked at as the best deal of last year’s trades.

Samardzija continues to go out every fifth day and give his best effort, not once blaming anyone else. He’s becoming an ace, be it for the Cubs or someone else. But if he continues to pitch the way he has, someone is going to give him the deal he deserves no matter how many wins he has.

For more Chicago Cubs conversation and updates follow us on Twitter @CubbiesCrib and Like our Facebook page at Cubbies Crib.