True believers.

Jeff Samardzija. Might have been the Chicago Cubs best, most talented pitcher. He was traded. Yesterday. To the Oakland Athletics. Along with the Cubs second best pitcher, Jason Hammel.  The deal. Doesn’t bother me. Because  both pitchers weren’t true believers. In the Cubs being a team of destiny. Instead, they see the Cubs as perennial losers. That especially goes for Samardzija. He had a 2-7 record this season. Despite a very low earned run average. Giving up less than three runs a game. But Samardzija was cursed. Because he didn’t fully believe that he and the Cubs could win. Couldn’t go all the way to the World Series in his lifetime.  Samardzija will be happier where he’s going. To a team with the best record in major league baseball.  Almost certain to be in the play-offs. Easier for Samardzija to be a true believer. In Oakland.  But still, he will miss the ultimate  grand prize. A few years from now. When the storybook Cubs. Go all the way. For the first time since 1908. Little wonder. I like the trade. The Cubs are seeking. Exactly what they need. Ball players. That qualify as true believers.  –Jim Broede