Two Less-Extravagant Pitching Updates

Two other things happened in terms of pitcher signings over the last 24 hours. One of them works really well. One of them doesn't.

Jeff Samardzija signed a five-year deal with the Giants today, and the first question I asked when he signed there was, simply, WHY?

The Giants already have a pretty well built rotation. Bumgarner, Lincecum, Cain, Heston, Vogey/Leake/Peavy. They really didn't need to get Samardzija, but I'm guessing it was more along the lines of a cockblock-signage, like something the Angels would have tried a few years ago.

Also, Samardzija didn't have the greatest 2015, his numbers going down in Chicago and not necessarily being the standout of the rotation (that, once again, went to Chris Sale). So why exactly do the Giants need Samardzija when they already have an ace (MadBum), and rotation depth? It's kind of mind boggling, and I don't necessarily think it was the best move to make, especially when a near-All-Star outfielder just flocked to Seattle.

Now, if you want to talk about a GOOD move...

John Lackey had a much better 2015. While the Cardinals ace, Adam Wainwright, as injured, John Lackey took over and ruled the rotation, as well as working with Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez to secure the rotation's power.

Yesterday, John Lackey, for the first time since 2009, agreed to play for a team I DON'T despise. And that would be the Chicago Cubs.

Unlike the Giants, the Cubs are a team that NEEDS pitching help, because Dan Haren's gone, and I don't think they trust Travis Wood to be the fifth man. Lackey does not have to be the #1 guy, and with the stacking in this, he'll likely be used in the #2 or #3 spot, but he will be a really strong, really reliable guy to have in any part of the rotation. If it's Arrieta-Lester-Lackey your first three days, that can be deadly. Even having Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks in the last two spots is not that bad of a deal.

Bottom line- John Lackey is likely gonna work really well for the Cubs. Samardzija...well, let's hope for a good season for the Giants at least...