Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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IRISH IN THE PROS Jeff Samardzija Traded Former Notre Dame pitcher and wide receiver Jeff Samardzija (2003-06) became the first big name to be traded prior to the league's July 31 non-waiver deadline. The Chicago Cubs dealt him and fellow start- ing pitcher Jason Hammel to the Oakland Athletics for three players, including top shortstop prospect Addison Russell. Samardzija, whose contract runs through the 2015 season, went 2-7 with a 2.83 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 108 innings with the Cubs. He started two games for the Athlet- ics prior to the All-Star break and tossed 15 innings while allowing only four runs. "It's been an adjustment going to the West Coast because I'm a Midwest boy, born and bred," the Valparaiso, Ind., native told USA Today. "But I love being on a team that has a chance to win now, and I feel like I fit in with the guys in the clubhouse. I feel very welcome." Samardzija was named to the National League All-Star team for his first-half performance for the Cubs, but was ineligible to participate after the trade because the Athletics play in the American League. He attended the festivities in Minneapolis and sat in the National League dugout. MLB NOTES Through July 16 • Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock (2007-09) was one of the game's most improved play- ers during the first two months of the season prior to suffering a broken hand May 31. He is expected to return sometime this season. He twice earned National League Player of the Week honors during May, when he hit .375 with a .427 on-base percentage and 16 extra-base hits. • Cleveland Indians reliever John Axford (2002-05) has pitched better of late after manager Terry Francona removed him from the closer's role. After enduring a May that ended with a 4.91 ERA, he has allowed five earned runs in 16 appearances in June and July. • Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jeff Manship (2004-06) is 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in 19 innings (17 games) this season. • New York Yankees pitcher David Phelps (2006-08) has helped hold together a starting rotation de- pleted by injuries, with star Japanese rookie Masahiro Tanaka the latest to hit the disabled list. In 22 outings this season (13 starts), Phelps holds a 3.94 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 36 walks in 89 innings. The Chicago Cubs traded ace Jeff Samardzija to the first- place Oakland A's earlier this month. The former Irish football All-American was an MLB All-Star pick, but could not play in the game. PHOTO COURTESY CHICAGO CUBS