Z and Harden to miss first run through rotation

[Deeg]

It's really nothing new, but I think the health of Harden (and Bradley) is the key to the entire season for the Cubs. When he's 90% or better, Harden is probably the best SP in the NL along with Lincicum - close to unhittable. Having a guy like that for 25-30 starts or having him for 10-15 (or the clearly injured guy who was just average by the end) is a huge variable. The Cubs and Harden seem to have a good handle on his condition (we never heard this much specificity out here in the Bay Area, though Beane may just have watergated it) but really, no assumption is safe when it comes to Harden.

[wvcbxl]

Even the worst case scenario rotation of Dempster, Lilly, Marshall, Heilman, Samardzjia is as good as any in the division.

 

If you are referring to the Cactus League, I agree.

[gerby23]

sweet, another season opening loss

 

can't wait

 

over/under on the nsbb meltdown of "God this team has too many holes, we're in trouble!!!!" i say 5th inning when we're down 7-1.

 

Dangit, I am gonna miss it due to the fact I'll be at the game in HOU screaming it

[The Other 15]

Not a single mention of Fukus granny vs Tokyo Giants? Hey, if two starters missing their turns is reason to worry, Fuku being Fuku should be reason for optimism.

[SweetZombieJesus]

Does anyone with half a brain think Ryan Dempster will not be terrible this year?

[manbearcub]

Does anyone with half a brain think Ryan Dempster will not be terrible this year?

terrible is streching it, but you are right of course.

[David]

Does anyone with half a brain think Ryan Dempster will not be terrible this year?

 

Yes.

[UMFan83]

Not a single mention of Fukus granny vs Tokyo Giants? Hey, if two starters missing their turns is reason to worry, Fuku being Fuku should be reason for optimism.

 

Who said he ever had a problem hitting in Japan? Try hitting a granny against the San Francisco Giants and we'll talk :)

[weis21]

I seriously doubt he can repeat another 151 ERA+ season, but even if that drops 25 it's still a really good season.

 

Assuming he will be terrible is over the top pessimism.

[Soul]

I'm expecting him to be a competent starter. Is there an overriding reason why that shouldn't be expected?

[jersey cubs fan]

Does anyone with half a brain think Ryan Dempster will not be terrible this year?

 

I don't know what percentage of a brain I have, but I think he won't be terrible.

[UMFan83]

I'm expecting him to be a competent starter. Is there an overriding reason why that shouldn't be expected?

 

Playing Devil's Advocate, every year except last year.

 

But I definitely think he will be competent depending on your definition of competent.

[Ryno is God 23]

Z to pitch Monday the 2nd.......

[apete6]

I'm expecting him to be a competent starter. Is there an overriding reason why that shouldn't be expected?

 

Playing Devil's Advocate, every year except last year.

 

But I definitely think he will be competent depending on your definition of competent.

 

I'm thinking somewhere between Marquis last year and Dempster last year.

[Soul]

I'm expecting him to be a competent starter. Is there an overriding reason why that shouldn't be expected?

 

Playing Devil's Advocate, every year except last year.

 

But I definitely think he will be competent depending on your definition of competent.

 

What do you mean every year except last year? He didn't have a good year in '05? '00?

[David]

John Dewan made a pretty good case for why Dempster would continue to be a good starter and for why last year wasn't a fluke on WSCR early in the offseason (around the time he was in negotiations to re-sign), but unfortunately, I have almost zero recollection of what his argument was.

[fivepercent]

Does anyone with half a brain think Ryan Dempster will not be terrible this year?

 

Terrible? No. Overpaid? Yes.

[17 Seconds]

I'm expecting him to be a competent starter. Is there an overriding reason why that shouldn't be expected?

 

Playing Devil's Advocate, every year except last year.

 

But I definitely think he will be competent depending on your definition of competent.

 

What do you mean every year except last year? He didn't have a good year in '05? '00?

 

Ell his ERAs were good those year but he wasn't really that good. His WHIP was 1.35 in 2000 and 1.43 in 2005.

[SweetZombieJesus]

John Dewan made a pretty good case for why Dempster would continue to be a good starter and for why last year wasn't a fluke on WSCR early in the offseason (around the time he was in negotiations to re-sign), but unfortunately, I have almost zero recollection of what his argument was.

 

The guy who played scotty covers baseball now? :wink:

 

That's besides the point, Dempster is cut from the same cloth Mike Bielecki, Estaban Loiaza, Kent Bottenfield, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright were cut from.

[Soul]

I'm expecting him to be a competent starter. Is there an overriding reason why that shouldn't be expected?

 

Playing Devil's Advocate, every year except last year.

 

But I definitely think he will be competent depending on your definition of competent.

 

What do you mean every year except last year? He didn't have a good year in '05? '00?

 

Ell his ERAs were good those year but he wasn't really that good. His WHIP was 1.35 in 2000 and 1.43 in 2005.

 

I think most people believe if Demp pulls a 120-125 ERA+ next year it will be acceptable. That's what he did in 2000. Granted it was long ago, but he did spend a ton of time as a reliever after his arm blew up.

 

I don't see a reason to have no hope for the guy, which is what it sounds like from some people. Maybe he will suck, I don't know. But I'm going to wait until he actually does before getting down on the guy.

[David]

John Dewan made a pretty good case for why Dempster would continue to be a good starter and for why last year wasn't a fluke on WSCR early in the offseason (around the time he was in negotiations to re-sign), but unfortunately, I have almost zero recollection of what his argument was.

 

The guy who played scotty covers baseball now? :wink:

 

That's besides the point, Dempster is cut from the same cloth Mike Bielecki, Estaban Loiaza, Kent Bottenfield, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright were cut from.

 

I know you're kidding but...

 

http://www.baseballinfosolutions.com/ourteam.html

[Soul]

John Dewan made a pretty good case for why Dempster would continue to be a good starter and for why last year wasn't a fluke on WSCR early in the offseason (around the time he was in negotiations to re-sign), but unfortunately, I have almost zero recollection of what his argument was.

 

The guy who played scotty covers baseball now? :wink:

 

That's besides the point, Dempster is cut from the same cloth Mike Bielecki, Estaban Loiaza, Kent Bottenfield, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright were cut from.

 

I know you're kidding but...

 

http://www.baseballinfosolutions.com/ourteam.html

 

Dewan's segments on the score are one of the few times I enjoy listening to Murph.

[Brett]

I'm expecting him to be a competent starter. Is there an overriding reason why that shouldn't be expected?

 

Playing Devil's Advocate, every year except last year.

 

But I definitely think he will be competent depending on your definition of competent.

 

I'm thinking somewhere between Marquis last year and Dempster last year.

 

Ding. Obviously he won't replicate last year, but he's probably not going to fall flat on his face. And even if he does, maybe he can go back to the bullpen... :ninja:

[Cubswin11]

Sooo....

 

Z made his first start but there hasn't been much info on Harden in last few days any idea where he is at or when he is planning on starting a game?

[JonnyRed]

It's funny, my Sox-worshipping father-in-law was trying to say I should be concerned about Harden because he hadn't pitched yet. To which I replied that he should be worried when his team's fourth or fifth starter (at least for the opening month of the season) actually do pitch. Seriously....Harden was 10-2 with a sub-3 ERA...The guy has ace stuff when he's on the mound. Yet the Sox think they are all set with Colon or Contreras at the back end of their rotation???