Shark Hooked By the Cubs

Jeff Samardzija's football career came to an end today, as the former Notre Dame wide receiver agreed to a guaranteed $10-million contract, over five years, with the Chicago Cubs. Samardzija was drafted as a pitching prospect by the Cubs last Summer, but had been splitting his time between baseball and football.  The new contract ensures that the Shark will play baseball full-time. Many NFL draft pundits had pegged Samardzija as a late-first round selection in April's draft.  Samardzija's chances of playing at the highest level seem much more likely in the NFL, as most minor league pitchers fail to reach the big leagues, but the guaranteed $10-million gives the former college star the type of long-term financial security that he would not reach until becoming a four- or five-year veteran in the NFL. It will be interesting to see if an NFL team considers spending a late-round pick on Samardzija.  Drew Henson and Josh Booty are two athletes that turned to the NFL after failing to succeed in the Major Leagues.