Chicago Cubs have decisions to make regarding Jeff Samardzija, Milton Bradley and Jake Fox

By Paul Sullivan

Jeff Samardzija

Samardzija pitched six one-hit innings on Saturday, and appears to be back to the old Samardzija after a rough spring in Arizona. If Neal Cotts continues to struggle, the Cubs could bring up Samardzija as a starter and make Sean Marshall the left-hander in the bullpen, though nothing appears imminent.

"Jeff is stretching out fine and working on his other pitches," Hendry said. "That was really encouraging. You can always go from starting back to the pen. We’re just going to try and keep him really tuned up and get him a little better, and whenever we need him, in whichever role we need, we’ll get him up here."

Marshall has made only one start and hasn’t gotten a chance to prove himself as a starter. But the Cubs know Marshall will do whatever’s best for the team, even if it means going back to the bullpen for a while. It’s all up to Cotts at this point. He’s looked nervous on the mound ever since manager Lou Piniella sent Larry Rothschild out to yank him in Milwaukee, claiming he wanted to “change the karma.”

Milton Bradley

While Bradley awaits word from Major League Baseball on when he’ll get his hearing on his two-day suspension for making contact with umpire Larry Vanover, the Cubs are being extra cautious with his groin injury.

Recall that this originally was termed a "mild" strain that would force Bradley out for only 3-5 days. It’s already eight days, and counting, though Bradley may play on Tuesday night against Cincinnati.

"He’s a well built guy and has an extremely muscular lower half," Hendry said. "He’s susceptible to some tweaks and pulls. I think he’s OK. We’re being real cautious. I’m sure if it were late in the year he could’ve played this week. I’m certainly counting on him hitting in that four-hole most of the year."

Hendry also is unconcerned about Bradley’s slow start, and his infamous temper that was on display last Thursday.

"Nobody knows what people are like unless you actually play with him or work with him," he said. "And all those people involved are certainly glad he’s here."

Jake Fox

The converted catcher already is hitting .478 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs at Triple-A Iowa while playing first base and right field. The Cubs haven’t used fifth outfielder Joey Gathright much in the early going, but Gathright doesn’t seem to be in danger of being sent down to make better use of Fox’s hot bat.

Sooner or later though, Fox will get a chance with the Cubs if he continues to hit like this.

"Jake is swinging the bat well, which he could always do," Hendry said. "We knew all along we’re not going to win with the 25 (players) we have now. It’s going to take a collective effort.

"At least four or five other pitchers will be here during the year, and I’m sure it’ll be the same for (position) players. You just try to keep the guys as sharp as you can, and when we need somebody, we know who to get."

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija, Baltimore Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski keep in touch after Notre Dame football days

Besides giving headline writers nightmares with their lengthy last names, former Notre Dame All-Americans Jeff Samardzija and Tom Zbikowski have managed fairly encouraging pro debuts.And they have maintained a friendship that was forged in college.

Samardzija, who started Wednesday's Cactus League opener for the Cubs, is vying for a spot in the rotation after getting a taste of the big leagues last season.

Zbikowski, a third-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, saw action on special teams and at safety for the AFC runner-up during his rookie season.

Zbikowski was in Arizona last week and saw his college buddy's start.

"We're used to hanging out every day for four years straight," Zbikowski said. "In the off-season we only have maybe a month or two to hang out. Jeff came out to Baltimore a couple of times to see a game."

Samardzija, at 6 feet 5 inches and 225 pounds, was Irish quarterback Brady Quinn's favorite receiver.

"I think Jeff would have been a first-rounder as a wide receiver," Zbikowski said. "Just seeing the things he does with his height and size and athletic ability … he had highlight catches pretty much every week."

Samardzija says he is happy with his choice of baseball.

"I have a smile on my face all the time. I'll let those football guys bang around all they want," he said. "The average [NFL] career is three years. I'd like to stay here my whole career and play for a lot of years. I love doing what I'm doing."

The Bears travel to Baltimore next season, not exactly a homecoming for Zbikowski, who was born in Arlington Heights and attended Buffalo Grove High School.

"To line up and play against the Bears should be fun," he said. "I was hoping it was at Soldier Field."

Zbikowski and Samardzija watched the Fighting Irish struggle under coach Charlie Weis.

"Thank God they got a bowl win, finally," Zbikowski said. "That's going to help out with the heat that was on coach Weis. And I know they have a lot of young talent. Hopefully they will keep that rolling."

Sights seen: After Norm Van Lier's funeral, about 20 members of the Chicago media and other longtime friends joined Van Lier's widow, Susan, and daughters Hilary and Heidi for lunch.

Van Lier was found dead Thursday at 61. Fellow Bulls legend Johnny "Red" Kerr passed away later that night. Kerr's sister, Joan, attended Sunday's wake for Van Lier and disputed the notion that Kerr had not invited Van Lier to take part in the Bulls' tribute to Kerr on Feb. 10 at the United Center.

"Red loved Norm," she said. "He was on Johnny's list."

Word on the street: Zbikowski registered an easy knockout in his pro boxing debut against Robert Bell at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2006.

"Football is obviously top on the agenda now," he said. "If something happens that I can't play football, I will definitely turn to boxing."