Cubs | Jeff Samardzija not ready for extension

Chicago Cubs SP Jeff Samardzija has been approached by the team regarding a long-term contract extension, but the pitcher thinks he needs to do a little more to prove he is worthy of a new deal. He'll be a candidate to start for the team on opening day. "No doubt, I think we have a No. 1 guy, just by his last eight to 10 starts, the way he matured as a starting pitcher, and understood a lot of different things," manager Dale Sveum said. "Going into this year, there's no baby gloves on him, no restraints. ... That stuff and that durability throughout nine innings and the ability to get to 120, 125 pitches, is what you want in a No. 1 starter."

2013-02-12 14:10:59 | Source: MLB.com - Carrie Muskat

Access more Jeff Samardzija news and rumors by clicking here....

For additional MLB information, please view KFFL's MLB Hot off the Wire.