What about Lowe?

[erik316wttn]

Would there be any interest from the Cubs in letting Dempster walk and in exchange offering that money to Lowe? He's been very good the last 4 years for the Dodgers, and I think would be a more sure bet than throwing a little less money at Ryan Dempster. His ERA+ the last 4 seasons has been 114, 124, 118, and 131, which is higher than most anything AJ Burnett put up. And he'd most likely be cheaper and more durable.

[BigbadB]

Would there be any interest from the Cubs in letting Dempster walk and in exchange offering that money to Lowe?

 

Depends on whether you believe the Cubs can outbid Boston, NYM, NYY and any other team that has some money to spend.

[RammyFanny]

If we get Peavy, this would be my personal preference because he will likely get less years than Demp. I'd give him 2/27 or so and see if that'd be enough. I'm not sure how much other teams are willing to go though.

[Outshined_One]

I like Lowe. Why not?

[Backtobanks]

If we get Peavy, this would be my personal preference because he will likely get less years than Demp. I'd give him 2/27 or so and see if that'd be enough. I'm not sure how much other teams are willing to go though.

 

With all the deep-pocket teams interested, 2/27 won't get you in the door. My guess would be somewhere around 3/43.

[mdwilla]

Lowe over Dempster even if cost wasn't a factor.

[davearm2]

My first thought is that chasing Lowe right out of the gate might burn bridges with Dempster.

 

Probably doesn't make sense, considering the Cubs probably pushed to get Dempster signed before the opening of FA, but still it could easily create the impression with Dempster that the ship has sailed on a return to the Cubs.

 

Then we run the real risk of missing out on both guys.

[TheRaven]

I would rather not risk it and just resign Demp.