From the Wire … Cubs Decline 2012 Option on Jeff Samardzija, Expected to Re-Sign at a Reduced Salary

According to multiple reports, the Cubs have declined the 2012 club option on Jeff Samardzija worth $3 million. Samardzija is under team control and is not elibigible for arbitration or free agency. The Cubs are expected to re-sign Samardzija at a reduced salary … teams can cut a players salary a maximum of 20 percent from the previous season. Jeff Samardzija signed a five-year, $10 million Major League contract in 2007 that included club options for 2012 and 2013. Samardzija is out of options and according the Tribune will make the club out of Spring Training next season as either a reliever or as a starter.