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Samardzija successful in swan song with Chicago White Sox

Officially, Jeff Samardzija ended up a winner in his brief run with the Chicago White Sox.

Off the record, it is no secret Samardzija's one-year stay with the Sox did not go as planned.

"You know, unsatisfied for me personally," Samardzija said after the White Sox defeated the Royals 4-2 on Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

"I had a big role in what happened this year, and just think about it, if you throw a couple better games here and there, instead of some clunkers like I did, we might be telling a little different story right now."

The Sox' story is a sad one.

After adding proven talent like Samardzija last winter, they were expected to be playoff contenders this season. Instead, they are jockeying with the Detroit Tigers for last place in the AL Central.

Over a brutal stretch from Aug. 2-Sept. 15, Samardzija was 1-8 with a 9.24 ERA.

"We all wish it would have been different," manager Robin Ventura said. "I know he would, we would. But again, I look at him as a good pitcher. It didn't work in that period of time, but you see him throw these last two games he threw, you realize he's a good pitcher."

Samardzija (11-13), who allowed 2 runs on 8 hits in 7 innings against Kansas City, is headed for free agency and has a near zero chance of returning to the White Sox.

Although Samardzija had an off year, some in the industry think he still could command a five-year deal in the $75 million range on the open market.

"I could care less," Samardzija said. "I had enough money when I signed with the Cubs back in '06. Like I said before, for me it's more about a professional thing and respecting the guys that came before me that have put us in this situation in this game.

"To make the money we make, and have the fun we have and travel the way we travel, that needs to be continued by players that are coming behind me and current players.

"For me, that's important. Ultimately, I want to be in a winning situation and pitching in October."

Do the White Sox fit that profile?

"Absolutely," Samardzija said. "There's a lot of great pieces here, man. Great team. Had a great time this year. You know, just every time we got going it seemed like it just went the other way, so it's about consistency."

Status quo?

With the regular season ending Sunday, manager Robin Ventura is expected to return in 2016.

As for the White Sox' coaching staff, there could be a change or two following a third straight losing season.

Ventura said he's not sure what is going to happen. "You always want to find that stuff out," he said. "I'm hopeful it's the same group."

Ventura figures to have input on who stays and who goes, but only to a point.

"You have discussions," he said. "You have somewhat of a say, but you don't have full say. There are people above you, but you do have discussions."

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