Salary Arbitration Report: Jeff Samardzija Vs. Chicago Cubs

Econ 3460: Salary Arbitration Report

Jeff Samardzija v. Chicago Cubs

Jeff Samardzija Offer: $6.2 million
Chicago Cubs Offer: $4.4 million
Midpoint: $5.3 million

Submitted by Group 10
(Ryan Collins, Justin Harris, Eun Jun Robert Lee, Robert Attia, Aaroosh Kohli)

December 4, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction and Request for Hearing…………………………………....................... 1

Quality of the Player’s Contribution During the Past Season……………………….

Length and Consistency of Career Contributions……………………….

Existence of Physical or Mental Defects…………………………..

Past Compensation…………………………………………...

Comparative Baseball Salaries………………………….

Recent Performance of the Club………………………….

Conclusion………………………….

Introduction and Request for Hearing Decision

This paper evaluates the performance of Jeff Samardzija in his role as a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. The evidence brought forth should reflect an appropriate 2014

Samardzija’s 66, he posted a 3.61 ERA to Mr. Samardzija’s 4.19 ERA, he pitched 77 more innings, and he had 45 wins to Mr. Samardzija’s 29 wins. This suggests that Hanson had a better career than Mr. Samardzija leading up to their respective platform years. Additionally, Hanson was only 25 years old during his platform year, while Mr. Samardzija was already 28. During their platform years, the two pitchers posted very similar statistics. Hanson started 2 fewer games and he posted a slightly higher ERA of 4.48 to Mr. Samardzija’s 4.34. Hanson’s win-loss record was 13-10, and Mr. Samardzija's was 8-13. Due the fact that Hanson was younger, had a better career overall, and pitched very similarly to Mr. Samardzija during his platform year, there is clear evidence why Mr. Samardzija should be awarded a similar amount to Hanson’s $3.725 million. Thus, the market for Mr. Samardzija should be well below the midpoint of $5.3 million in this