Pitch or catch? Samardzija won't say

[NDAlumSon]

"Fighting Irish wide receiver has scouts intrigued, concerned"
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/...3&content_id=1467708&vkey=draft2006&fext=.jsp

 

[Óglaigh_na_hÉireann]

The way the system works, wouldn't he be guaraunteed a lot more money in the NFL? I mean, just by signing as a likely 1st round pick, he would make millions. If he pursued baseball, wouldn't he probably have to enter the minor league first and then work his way up?

 

[guff]

Sort of. But a first or second round MLB pick gets bucks that are guaranteed. The only thing guaranteed with an NFL contract is the signing bonus.

I don't know if he's a sure fire NFL 1st rounder. Close but not a lock. Big NFL signing bonus come for 1st rounders. After that they aren't so big. And if he were to get cut he won't get the salary.

If he wants to make the most money MLB is the way to go (assuming he performed both equally well):
1. Pitchers are paid much more the WRs
2. More money over a longer career
3 Guaranteed contract with MLB. Even if his arm were to explode if he were under contract he'd get paid. Case in point: Jeff Bagwell is getting a 14 million this year.

 

[Zephyr]

The selfish side of me says play football because I love the game. I have to agree with guff on this, baseball would be the bigger payday for Jeff if he so chooses...
Decisions? Decisions?

 

[Óglaigh_na_hÉireann]

I would only want to see him play baseball if he pitched for the Indians. But I'd rather see him play football. He's probably our most exciting athlete and I'd love to have another guy to follow in the NFL.

 

[Irish Envy]

Samardzija is a sure fire first rounder in the NFL. He will be one of the top 3 receivers available in the draft next year, and if he has another monster year, he'll be drafted in the first round no doubt. The signing bonuses in the NFL are also higher than those in the MLB.

Considering he plans on playing WR, it is possible that he could play both sports with relative ease since other players (Deion, Bo) did it and were everyday players whereas Jeff is likely to be an every 4th-5th day player being a pitcher.