Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Classy, and Smart, Move for the Cubs


The Chicago Cubs recently re-signed Ryan Dempster to a 4-year, 52 million dollar deal locking up the 2008 All-Star and 17 game winner and solidifying the rotation for at least a couple more years.

Dempster, who lives in Wrigleyville, can now guarantee a walk to the stadium for the next four years and I couldn't be happier. Not only did Dempster make a successful transition from the bullpen to a starter, but he won 17 games, went 10-0 at home during the regular season, and produced one of the best starting rotations in the Majors last year.

Critics of Dempster would say that he isn't worth the money, and he only had one good year in him. I categorically disagree.

Since joining the Cubs, Dempster has won 26 games, saved 87, and produced a 3.27 ERA for the bullpen and starting rotation. He loves being a Cub and lives within walking distance of the friendly confines. With this new deal, Dempster will be able to focus on pitching and possibly be the work-horse for a rotation that has some injury problems in Rich Harden and Carlos Zambrano.

The Cubs expressed interest in a trade for Jake Peavy this off-season, and now critics of the deal believe that this resigning mean the former Cy Young winner will never see their home dugout. I wouldn't jump to conclusions.

Jim Hendry, general manager for the Cubs, still believes there is a chance to sign Peavy and the threat of a rotation of Zambrano, Dempster, Harden, Peavy, and Lilly has to be daunting for the Brewers, Cardinals, and Astros' fans of the world.

Dempster deserved this 4-year deal, and I believe that it will pay off for the Cubs organization. After the humiliating sweep in the NLDS, the Cubs need to believe that they can win with the talent that they have around the club. Obviously, they have the talent to win (2 straight division championships). With the signing of Dempster, the Cubs can focus on finally breaking through the barrier.