Jeff Samardzija and James Russell Avoid Arbritration

The Cubs resolved their 2 final arbitration cases with both James Russell and Jeff Samardzija signing contracts today.

September 7, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher James Russell (40) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Chicago Cubs won 12-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Russell’s one year deal nets him $1.075 million dollars which is roughly what you’d expect to pay for his services. He’ll be in the bullpen again this year where he was one of the more consistent arms for the Cubs last season. He’ll likely share the middle relief position with Shawn Camp and a few other arms, with Kyuji Fujikawa taking the set up job and Carlos Marmol closing.

Samardzija’s one year deal is for $2.64 million which matches the exact total he earned in 2012. This seems cheap for a player of his caliber as he’s expected to be much better this season, so to pay him what he made last season for a potential better performance is great for the team. Samardzija is expected to be the number 1 starter this season, but it will depend greatly on spring training performances as well.

These signings were to be expected and it’s a big relief to bring back to key components of the 2012 Cubs’ core on such affordable contracts.