dempster article

[mg420]

great article Bruce. dempster's not making excuses & sounds like he's up for the challenge. he was lights out in 05 so hopefully he can regain his form in 2007. if so, and wood can stay healthy in the pen, they might be able to trade howry and have wood set up dempster.

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp?id=268561

[otis89]

“We weren’t winning a lot. I wasn’t pitching a lot. It got frustrating. It was a bad feeling. I’d be like, ‘I’m wondering if I’m going to pitch today.’ It wasn’t a selfish thing. We were struggling as a team.

 

Hey Dusty! Think that could of been part of the problem? If a pitcher doesn't pitch for a while, he's not going to be as sharp as he normally is!

[goonys evil twin]

“We weren’t winning a lot. I wasn’t pitching a lot. It got frustrating. It was a bad feeling. I’d be like, ‘I’m wondering if I’m going to pitch today.’ It wasn’t a selfish thing. We were struggling as a team.

 

Hey Dusty! Think that could of been the problem? If a pitcher doesn't pitch for a while, he's not going to be as sharp as he normally is!

 

I believe that is especially true for a guy with control problems. Dempster isn't great, but he can be an effective closer this year if he's used regularly and brought in with nobody on. I wouldn't trust him as the guy to get an out in a tight situation with men on, he's just not that dominant. That is the job for Howry, Wuertz and possibly Wood. Given Dempster a 1-run lead to start the 9th and he'll protect a lot of them.

[Bruce Miles]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

[goonys evil twin]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

But Bruce, if he sometimes found himself not as prepared as he should be, he's no better than that good-for-nothing Paris Hilton wannabe Rex Grossman. :jocolor:

 

I was a little confused by this paragraph:

 

“Somebody said, ‘Oh, they’re going to be kind of rough on you at the convention,’ and I said, ‘Why?’æ” Dempster said. “I’m ready. I said, ‘If there’s any animosity toward me, I’ll change all that in the first couple weeks of the season.’

 

Was he saying he couldn't understand why a fan would be hard on him?

 

I do get a little bit of a sense that Dempster was walking the tight line between showing optimism about next season and potentially blaming negative fan attitudes for any lack of success. Coming off the Dusty Baker era, maybe I'm too sensitive to anything that resembles the us vs the world, excuse laden environment around the Cubs. I do like Dempster and I'm fine with him as closer. I'm not particularly happy they are contractually obligated to pay him for 2 more seasons though, as the less than elite relievers can fall apart rather quickly. But the Cubs are going to win or lose with their lineup and rotation.

[mg420]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

if he has a year even close to what he did in 2005 as a closer, what he did in 2006 will be easily forgotten imo. in 59.5 ip he saved 33/34 with a 1.89 era.

[Abe Frohman]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

[frostwyrm]

If I were Lou I'd make it clear to Demp that he's on a short leash. He had a nice 4 month run in 2005 but that's not nearly long enough of a track record of success to justify sticking with him through another bad start. For better or worse the Cubs are 100% in win-now mode, which should mean a shorter leash for anybody easily replaced.

[goonys evil twin]

If I were Lou I'd make it clear to Demp that he's on a short leash. He had a nice 4 month run in 2005 but that's not nearly long enough of a track record of success to justify sticking with him through another bad start. For better or worse the Cubs are 100% in win-now mode, which should mean a shorter leash for anybody easily replaced.

 

Whether you have a guy on a short leash or not, I don't see any benefit in "making it clear" to the player.

[Balsa]

I agree with the previously mentioned sentiment that Dempster is a fine closer in the 9th with no outs.

 

But that is usually not the most important inning or situation, and we have Wood and Howry for those "Fireman" type situations. I think that combination could work very well.

[Bruce Miles]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

But Bruce, if he sometimes found himself not as prepared as he should be, he's no better than that good-for-nothing Paris Hilton wannabe Rex Grossman. :jocolor:

 

I was a little confused by this paragraph:

 

“Somebody said, ‘Oh, they’re going to be kind of rough on you at the convention,’ and I said, ‘Why?’æ” Dempster said. “I’m ready. I said, ‘If there’s any animosity toward me, I’ll change all that in the first couple weeks of the season.’

 

Was he saying he couldn't understand why a fan would be hard on him?

 

I do get a little bit of a sense that Dempster was walking the tight line between showing optimism about next season and potentially blaming negative fan attitudes for any lack of success. Coming off the Dusty Baker era, maybe I'm too sensitive to anything that resembles the us vs the world, excuse laden environment around the Cubs. I do like Dempster and I'm fine with him as closer. I'm not particularly happy they are contractually obligated to pay him for 2 more seasons though, as the less than elite relievers can fall apart rather quickly. But the Cubs are going to win or lose with their lineup and rotation.

 

No, he wasn't blaming fan attitudes at all. He was blaming himself. I just think he was trying to be optimistic about how he'll be treated. He acknowledged he could get some boos but he vowed to turn them into cheers with his performance.

[Bruce Miles]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

[goonys evil twin]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

 

Who was the guy who threw a ball by some media members' head? Stynes?

 

What about the former media relations person? I was listening to the score the day they said she was leaving, and Boers/Bernstein were going off on her talking about how everybody in the media felt she treated them like crap.

[Bruce Miles]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

 

Who was the guy who threw a ball by some media members' head? Stynes?

 

What about the former media relations person? I was listening to the score the day they said she was leaving, and Boers/Bernstein were going off on her talking about how everybody in the media felt she treated them like crap.

 

Stynes threw a ball at a Tribune reporter back in 2002. True to form, he missed. The Cubs' media-relations director left at the end of 2006, but I got along just fine with her.

[Backtobanks]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

 

Who was the guy who threw a ball by some media members' head? Stynes?

 

What about the former media relations person? I was listening to the score the day they said she was leaving, and Boers/Bernstein were going off on her talking about how everybody in the media felt she treated them like crap.

 

Stynes threw a ball at a Tribune reporter back in 2002. True to form, he missed. The Cubs' media-relations director left at the end of 2006, but I got along just fine with her.

 

I'm sure the way the media guys are treated depends a lot on the attitude they bring to the clubhouse. If some writer or reporter is a jerk and coming in to put a negative spin on everything the player or the team does, he/she will be treated negatively. If you are a fair and balanced reporter and show some respect, respect will be given to you. That might explain why Bruce gets along well with most of the Cubs. I would guess this is especially true in dealing with the over-the-top egos that many professional athletes (and reporters) possess.

[frostwyrm]

If I were Lou I'd make it clear to Demp that he's on a short leash. He had a nice 4 month run in 2005 but that's not nearly long enough of a track record of success to justify sticking with him through another bad start. For better or worse the Cubs are 100% in win-now mode, which should mean a shorter leash for anybody easily replaced.

 

Whether you have a guy on a short leash or not, I don't see any benefit in "making it clear" to the player.

I do. Demp admitted he was unprepared at times and also not in the best shape. When you tell a guy he's on a short leash you're saying he better do his best to bring his A game from day 1. That may be a unneccessary message for some players, but I think Demp could use it.

[goonys evil twin]

If I were Lou I'd make it clear to Demp that he's on a short leash. He had a nice 4 month run in 2005 but that's not nearly long enough of a track record of success to justify sticking with him through another bad start. For better or worse the Cubs are 100% in win-now mode, which should mean a shorter leash for anybody easily replaced.

 

Whether you have a guy on a short leash or not, I don't see any benefit in "making it clear" to the player.

I do. Demp admitted he was unprepared at times and also not in the best shape. When you tell a guy he's on a short leash you're saying he better do his best to bring his A game from day 1. That may be a unneccessary message for some players, but I think Demp could use it.

 

I doubt it would do any good. He also said he struggled because he was trying to be too perfect and wasn't just throwing strikes. That kind of decree could only serve to make a guy try and make those same mistakes.

[Outshined_One]

Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

 

That's pretty darn impressive. I enjoy the fact that Zambrano has gone out of his way to help out some of the young pitchers, such as how he took Guzman under his wing and this. A guy like Zambrano is worth his weight in gold.

 

Stynes threw a ball at a Tribune reporter back in 2002. True to form, he missed. The Cubs' media-relations director left at the end of 2006, but I got along just fine with her.

 

:lol:

[daske17]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

 

Who was the guy who threw a ball by some media members' head? Stynes?

 

What about the former media relations person? I was listening to the score the day they said she was leaving, and Boers/Bernstein were going off on her talking about how everybody in the media felt she treated them like crap.

 

Stynes threw a ball at a Tribune reporter back in 2002. True to form, he missed. The Cubs' media-relations director left at the end of 2006, but I got along just fine with her.

 

I'm sure the way the media guys are treated depends a lot on the attitude they bring to the clubhouse. If some writer or reporter is a jerk and coming in to put a negative spin on everything the player or the team does, he/she will be treated negatively. If you are a fair and balanced reporter and show some respect, respect will be given to you. That might explain why Bruce gets along well with most of the Cubs. I would guess this is especially true in dealing with the over-the-top egos that many professional athletes (and reporters) possess.

 

I'd ask how Mariotti would be treated in the clubhouse, but we all know he doesn't leave his the Sun-Times building.

[Bruce Miles]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

 

Who was the guy who threw a ball by some media members' head? Stynes?

 

What about the former media relations person? I was listening to the score the day they said she was leaving, and Boers/Bernstein were going off on her talking about how everybody in the media felt she treated them like crap.

 

Stynes threw a ball at a Tribune reporter back in 2002. True to form, he missed. The Cubs' media-relations director left at the end of 2006, but I got along just fine with her.

 

I'm sure the way the media guys are treated depends a lot on the attitude they bring to the clubhouse. If some writer or reporter is a jerk and coming in to put a negative spin on everything the player or the team does, he/she will be treated negatively. If you are a fair and balanced reporter and show some respect, respect will be given to you. That might explain why Bruce gets along well with most of the Cubs. I would guess this is especially true in dealing with the over-the-top egos that many professional athletes (and reporters) possess.

 

Yeah, there are enough egos on both sides to go around. You've pretty much hit it: If you show some respect, you'll get it in return. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what these players do _ this game is damned hard _ and for how hard they work. My approach always has been to ask a guy if he has a few minutes, do the interview and then thank him for his time. Sometimes, a guy will want to shoot the breeze for a few minutes afterward. If not, I don't try to force it.

[The Voice of Reason]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

 

So Bruce, how was Sammy to deal with?

[CubsInNC]

A guy like Zambrano is worth his weight in gold.

 

 

Well considering the price of gold is currently $20,107.08 per kilo, and Zambrano lists his weight at 255lb or just over 115kg. That puts his value at $2,325,595.73. I'd place his value (at his next contract) at about 57 times that ($132/6). If he has to undergo TJS this season, I'd still place his value at 5 times his weight in gold. For Carlos to be worth his weight in gold he'd have to weigh 6565 kg or 14,473 lbs. And he's no Rick Reuschel.

[Bruce Miles]

Dempster is one of those guys I pull for on a personal level. He remained civil to us during all of his struggles last year and didn't make excuses. He sounded very upbeat when I talked to him. I hope the fans cut him a little slack at the convention.

 

Hey Bruce - if you are willing to give us some interesting insight, who were some of the worst when going through tough times? Who were some of the nicest players to deal with, and who were some of the toughtest? I understand if you don't want to touch that, but it would be real interesting to know from a fan's perspective.

 

Dempster always has been one of the best, if not the best. Murton was fine, and I never had one problem with Jacque Jones, although he could get a little defensive. He usually had a smile. Barrett is terrific, and Derrek Lee is the same win or lose _ quiet but very gracious. Zambrano has been good to deal with. The most impressive thing I ever saw with him was when he volunteered to serve as interpreter for Juan Mateo. I remember when Carlos could barely speak English. He did a great job as interpreter, and I told him so.

I wasn't a big Phil Nevin fan. He always carried the "I'm a jock and you're not" persona. Some of that rubbed off on Ohman, who can be very engaging at times. Prior and Wood seemed to go into shells a little bit. I suppose you can't blame them for not wanting to talk about injuries every day.

Over the years, I've gotten on really well with most of the guys.

 

So Bruce, how was Sammy to deal with?

 

Sammy was interesting. At times, he was the most accessible superstar in the game. He'd grant anybody an interview. He'd say a lot of cliche stuff, but he'd do the interview. At other times, he was downright petulant. He'd bristle over seemingly tame questions. I grew weary of his favoritism toward the Chicago Sun-Times, a paper that clearly took the see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, report-no-evil approach when it came to Sammy, at least until the corked bat incident. Overall, I got along with him just fine, but you can see how one guy getting special treatment from a team can cause problems.

[BigbadB]

I would like to make a few corrections regarding Dempster.

 

He got plenty of work last year. The problem was it was sporadic and rarely was it ever to actually protect a lead.

 

I'm pulling for him to do well this year. The pen should be a strength with a better starting rotation.

[nilodnayr]

I would like to make a few corrections regarding Dempster.

 

He got plenty of work last year. The problem was it was sporadic and rarely was it ever to actually protect a lead.

 

I'm pulling for him to do well this year. The pen should be a strength with a better starting rotation.

 

I too would like to make a correction. The perception that he pitched much better in 2005 than 2006 is quite incorrect. Actually his WHIP was similar (1.43 vs 1.51) as well as his K/BB (1.82 vs 1.86). The real difference between 2005 Dempster and 2006 Dempster was "clutch". In 2005 he had an incredible 77.5 LOB% as opposed to 63.3% in 2006. Now the question is, which one of those is the abberation. Well, probably both. In 2005 he allowed 131 runners for an expected runs allowed of 44 (as opposed to actually allowing 35 runs). In 2006 he allowed 113 runners for an expected runs allowed of 38 (as opposed to actually allowing 47, although only 40 were earned). Dempster probably isnt going to be as bad as he was last year, but allowing so many baserunners, I'm not optimistic for a repeat of 2005. Even if he would have allowed 38 runs last year and assuming conservatively that 7 of them were unearned, his ERA would have been 3.72. Still not great for a closer, but probably a fair projection.