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James Russell RP CHC
4 Months Chicago Cubs Comment

Cubs and RHP James Russell avoided arbitration by agreeing to a contract.

Terms haven't been disclosed. Russell was arbitration eligible for the first time this winter after posting a 3.25 ERA and 55/23 K/BB ratio over 69 1/3 innings last year. He figures to pitch in middle relief in 2013.

James Russell RP CHC
12 Months Chicago Cubs Comment

With Rafael Dolis demoted from the Cubs' closer role, the team is expected to use a combination of James Russell and Shawn Camp in the ninth inning.

Sveum said earlier this month that Russell and Dolis would share the role before Dolis briefly ran away with the job, so you'd think the lefty would be higher on the totem pole than Camp. But, Camp has pitched well of late and, since he throws right-handed, could get more chances in the matchups-based approach. Carlos Marmol (hamstring) is due back soon and figures to eventually get his old job back.

James Russell RP CHC
5/11/2012 Chicago Cubs Comment

James Russell has yet to see a save opportunity since Carlos Marmol was removed from the closer role.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Russell and Rafael Dolis would share the role, but it's been Dolis used in both save chances even though he faced two left-handed batters while converting his first save and two lefties and a switch-hitter in his second chance. It appears that Russell, who holds a 0.73 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 13 appearances, might only be used in the ninth inning on days where Dolis is unavailable.