White Sox decline to tender Bobby Jenks

CHICAGO, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox declined to tender a contract with closer Bobby Jenks, making the pitcher a free agent with the ability to sign with another team.

The White Sox still have the opportunity to re-sign Jenks, but the missed deadline prevents them from going through the arbitration process, which would have awarded Jenks a raise from the $7.25 million he was paid last year, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

Jenks went 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA with only 27 saves in 31 chances while being hindered by injuries last season. His saves dropped from a high of 41 in 2006 to 30 in 2008.

The White Sox did tender contracts Thursday with outfielder Carlos Quentin, starting pitcher John Danks and relief pitcher Tony Pena. Erick Threets, a left-handed pitcher who may not be able to play next year due to recent elbow surgery, did not receive a contract.