Krukow makes bold prediction about Samardzija's ‘ceiling'

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Editor's note: The above video is from May 8.

Last year, Jeff Samardzija went 11-13 with a 4.96 ERA over 32 starts.

Through his first nine starts for the Orange and Black, he is 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA.

On Friday morning, Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow explained on KNBR 680 how Samardzija is turning things around.

[PAVLOVIC: Rewind: Samardzija clinches first 7-0 road trip in 103 years]

"He's simplifying things," Krukow started. "A lot of times, guys have four or five things they can do with the ball. They feel compelled that they have to throw all of them. And I think what (Dave) Righetti and (Mark) Gardner have done with this guy, is they've simplified it, and said 'Wait a second. Let's take a look at what your true strengths are.

"Your true strengths are your fastball ... and your cut ... so you've got two different types of movement, one going away from the other. And it's late movement. Why not let's focus on being able to corner pitch with it. To locate.

"We'll introduce a slider, we'll throw it out there, and we'll work on an offspeed pitch to give you an eventual third speed.' That's what they've done."

Samardzija signed a 5-year, $90 million deal with the Giants during the offseason.

Over his last four outings, "The Shark" is 3-1 with a 1.42 ERA in 31.2 innings, with 29 strikeouts against three walks.

"His mechanics are impeccable and he's got great finish with the crack of the whip," Krukow added. "He's in command so that maximizes velocity, movement and location capabilities. He's got all that going.

"And I think because of his athleticism he's able to repeat this stroke of the arm with great consistency."

On Thursday night in San Diego, Samardzija allowed one run on three hits and no walks in eight innings. He struck out eight Padres.

[REWIND: Krukow: 'Project' Samardzija would grow under Giants' staff]

Krukow circled back to praise Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti and bullpen coach Mark Gardner.

"It gets back to Dave Righetti. If you're a pitcher, and you've got abilities, whatever type of athlete you are, you're going to get better around him," Krukow declared. "You're going to get better around Mark Gardner. They're the best at what they do. This is just another example of it."

Krukow closed the topic by making a bold prediction.

Samardzija's "not a finished product. He is a work in progress. I think when he masters that third speed, that changeup, you're gonna see a guy who's gonna be a perennial All-Star and he'll challenge for the Cy Young. I do believe he has that type of ceiling."

Samardzija was an All-Star in 2014.

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