Shark Weak: Samardzija Resigned as Cubs Launch Trio of Homers

We’re gonna need a bigger boat.

That’s what I imagine Jeff Samardzija saying to himself in the wake of Anthony Rizzo’s go-ahead homer in the 5th inning of the Friday-night Crosstown Cup game at The Cell. With their former teammate on the mound, the Cubs punctuated Len and JD’s discourse on the etymology of defunct baseball terms like “alabaster blast” with home runs.

Chris Coghlan had already gone deep earlier in the game when he barreled up Shark’s first pitch of the 5th frame, a fastball, and drove it deep out into centerfield. Then came Anthony Rizzo, who ran the count to 2-2 before taking advantage of a splitter that didn’t split. Have a look.

https://vine.co/v/edltz5dIaXg

I don’t know about you, but I take way too much pleasure in seeing Samardzija whip around to watch the ball as it speeds deep into the rightfield stands like the Blue Angels at the Air and Water Show taking place a few miles to the north. Even better though is the immediate look of resignation that might as well be scored with a “womp, womp” sad trombone sound. It looks like my son when I tell him it’s time to turn on the 54th episode of Phineas and Ferb he just started on Netflix.

Then there’s the talking to himself I mentioned earlier. I’m no lipreader, but I think he ends the little therapy session with a Li’l John “Hu-wat?!”

https://vine.co/v/edlFUhQIWwh

I suppose I’m being a little too hard on the guy. After all, he did help the Cubs to net Addison Russell, which I don’t think anyone is upset about at this point. And he’s a Valpo guy, which I like. Plus, he may have made history on Friday. After all, there can’t be too many times when guys who finished 1-2 in a state’s Mr. Football voting ended up facing off against each other…as MLB pitchers (Clayton Richard won, Shark finished 2nd).

Good times.