Dempster's Sticking Around For 3 More Years

[USSoccer]

I like this signing. The Cubs are a lot better with Dempster than they would be without him. What is the bullpen looking like next year?

 

Van Buren

Wuertz

Ohman

Novoa

Free Agent? Bartosh? A. Guzman?

Dempster

 

If Hendry stays in-house, he can afford to slightly overpay for Dempster's services.

 

You have:

 

Dempster (CL)

Ohman (LOOGY)

Wuertz (6th-7th)

Novoa (7th-8th)

 

 

You also have Williamson's option, as well as a bunch of Welley-type guys you could plus in. I'd bet that Hendry tries to get an established setup guy this offseason, and then fills the other spot or 2 in house.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Hopefully this signals a change in the way Hendry operated compared to last season. He left ARam's extension until Opening Day last year instead of getting it done and over with early in the offseason; hopefully this signals a proactive and aggressive winter for Hendry and the Cubs.

Hopefully that proactive approach involves signing BJ Ryan.

 

I don't think there's as much of a need for BJ Ryan now that Dempster has been signed, presumably to close. BJ isn't going to come here to set up games, and even if he did he's not going to be cheap.

 

Having said that, if BJ wanted to come here for about the same money as Dempster got specifically to set up, then yeah, sure, awesome. But I see a Boston or NYM paying his a premium to close.

I would be fine with having him close and Demp pitch in the 8th.

[USSoccer]

Hopefully this signals a change in the way Hendry operated compared to last season. He left ARam's extension until Opening Day last year instead of getting it done and over with early in the offseason; hopefully this signals a proactive and aggressive winter for Hendry and the Cubs.

Hopefully that proactive approach involves signing BJ Ryan.

 

I don't think there's as much of a need for BJ Ryan now that Dempster has been signed, presumably to close. BJ isn't going to come here to set up games, and even if he did he's not going to be cheap.

 

Having said that, if BJ wanted to come here for about the same money as Dempster got specifically to set up, then yeah, sure, awesome. But I see a Boston or NYM paying his a premium to close.

I would be fine with having him close and Demp pitch in the 8th.

 

Me too, in theory, but Hendry and Baker are loyal guys, and Dempster has done nothing to lose his closer's spot. I have to say, I was dead set against having him close. I thought his walk rates were too high and he'd be really ineffective and inconsistent, but he's been really, really good in the 9th. Why mess with that?

[Wheelimus]

Sign Ryan to pitch the 8th, pretty sure I remember him saying recently that he didn't HAVE to be a closer, just on a team that can win.

 

It's good strategy, get your guys signed so nobody has a chance, so you can focus on trades and signing new guys.

 

Hopefully Nomar agrees to a bargain 1 year deal soon :D

[YearofDaCubs]

Sign Ryan to pitch the 8th, pretty sure I remember him saying recently that he didn't HAVE to be a closer, just on a team that can win.

 

It's good strategy, get your guys signed so nobody has a chance, so you can focus on trades and signing new guys.

 

Hopefully Nomar agrees to a bargain 1 year deal soon :D

I always felt that the Os would nto let Ryan walk, but if they do we should def sign him.

[snoodmonger]

Me likey. Now we can go get an established closer or, if they're too pricey, get Demp a set-up man. I like this move.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Hopefully this signals a change in the way Hendry operated compared to last season. He left ARam's extension until Opening Day last year instead of getting it done and over with early in the offseason; hopefully this signals a proactive and aggressive winter for Hendry and the Cubs.

Hopefully that proactive approach involves signing BJ Ryan.

 

I don't think there's as much of a need for BJ Ryan now that Dempster has been signed, presumably to close. BJ isn't going to come here to set up games, and even if he did he's not going to be cheap.

 

Having said that, if BJ wanted to come here for about the same money as Dempster got specifically to set up, then yeah, sure, awesome. But I see a Boston or NYM paying his a premium to close.

I would be fine with having him close and Demp pitch in the 8th.

 

I don't think Hendy would sign Dempster to a 5 mil/per contract to be an 8th inning guy.

[Radar3454]

I think he could have gotten 3 18 mil pretty easily as a FA. I think this is a fantastic deal.

[CubsWin]

Me likey. Now we can go get an established closer or, if they're too pricey, get Demp a set-up man. I like this move.

What more does Dempster have to do to establish himself as a closer? He just went almost a full season only blowing 2 out of 35 save opportunities, and in the two blown saves, he got the win! If his name were Ryan Gagne, would you consider him more established?

 

Just having a little fun with you, snood. I'm guessing you'd like to see him do it for more than just one season, and I can understand that. But, for me, I've seen enough. In my mind, he's established.

 

Where we do agree is on the need for an established set-up man. I don't want to go into '06 with Novoa pitching the 8th.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Hopefully this signals a change in the way Hendry operated compared to last season. He left ARam's extension until Opening Day last year instead of getting it done and over with early in the offseason; hopefully this signals a proactive and aggressive winter for Hendry and the Cubs.

Hopefully that proactive approach involves signing BJ Ryan.

 

I don't think there's as much of a need for BJ Ryan now that Dempster has been signed, presumably to close. BJ isn't going to come here to set up games, and even if he did he's not going to be cheap.

 

Having said that, if BJ wanted to come here for about the same money as Dempster got specifically to set up, then yeah, sure, awesome. But I see a Boston or NYM paying his a premium to close.

I would be fine with having him close and Demp pitch in the 8th.

 

Me too, in theory, but Hendry and Baker are loyal guys, and Dempster has done nothing to lose his closer's spot. I have to say, I was dead set against having him close. I thought his walk rates were too high and he'd be really ineffective and inconsistent, but he's been really, really good in the 9th. Why mess with that?

I always wanted him to be closer but I see nothing wrong with getting one of the best ones in the business and having Dempster pitch in the 8th. I realize it isn't going to happen but it would be nice to have a bullpen with BJ in it, no matter where he pitches.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Me likey. Now we can go get an established closer or, if they're too pricey, get Demp a set-up man. I like this move.

What more does Dempster have to do to establish himself as a closer? He just went almost a full season only blowing 2 out of 35 save opportunities, and in the two blown saves, he got the win! If his name were Ryan Gagne, would you consider him more established?

 

Just having a little fun with you, snood. I'm guessing you'd like to see him do it for more than just one season, and I can understand that. But, for me, I've seen enough. In my mind, he's established.

 

Where we do agree is on the need for an established set-up man. I don't want to go into '06 with Novoa pitching the 8th.

 

With BJ Ryan available, I have no problem solidifying the bullpen even more by signing him (though given how much Dempster will make, that would tie up too much money in the pen). It's not what Dempster has or has not done, it's how to improve the team. BJ closing and Dempster setting up could be a better investment than Dempster closing and someone else being brought in to set up.

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

I like it...good move! No Billy Wagner, but that lefty isn't about to sign for 5mill per year.

 

Nice job!

[XZero771679666304]

After a quick calculation (could be wrong), since becoming the closer, Dempster is 33/35 in save opportunities with a 2.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers are comparable to/slightly better than B.J. Ryan's.

 

IMO, Dempster is the closer next year barring injury, because I seriously doubt the Cubs are going to pay him 5+ million to set up.

[USSoccer]

After a quick calculation (could be wrong), since becoming the closer, Dempster is 33/35 in save opportunities with a 2.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers are comparable to/slightly better than B.J. Ryan's.

 

IMO, Dempster is the closer next year barring injury, because I seriously doubt the Cubs are going to pay him 5+ million to set up.

 

Which I suppose, begs the question: Is Williamson's option a foregone conclusion to be picked up for 2006?

[XZero771679666304]

Me likey. Now we can go get an established closer or, if they're too pricey, get Demp a set-up man. I like this move.

What more does Dempster have to do to establish himself as a closer? He just went almost a full season only blowing 2 out of 35 save opportunities, and in the two blown saves, he got the win! If his name were Ryan Gagne, would you consider him more established?

 

Just having a little fun with you, snood. I'm guessing you'd like to see him do it for more than just one season, and I can understand that. But, for me, I've seen enough. In my mind, he's established.

 

Where we do agree is on the need for an established set-up man. I don't want to go into '06 with Novoa pitching the 8th.

 

With BJ Ryan available, I have no problem solidifying the bullpen even more by signing him (though given how much Dempster will make, that would tie up too much money in the pen). It's not what Dempster has or has not done, it's how to improve the team. BJ closing and Dempster setting up could be a better investment than Dempster closing and someone else being brought in to set up.

 

Perhaps, if you think you can sign Ryan for equal or less money than you could a good set up man, which I doubt. I think Ryan is going to sign for 8 or 9 million somewhere, and I don't think he's worth it.

 

Regardless of who you like more, with Dusty managing you know Dempster would be closing games. And I see Dempster signing so early as Hendry getting things out of the way before the offseason starts, after last offseason's mess. I would bet that Hendry has just crossed closer off his to get list, and that will be the end of that. I may be wrong, but I doubt it.

[YearofDaCubs]

After a quick calculation (could be wrong), since becoming the closer, Dempster is 33/35 in save opportunities with a 2.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers are comparable to/slightly better than B.J. Ryan's.

 

IMO, Dempster is the closer next year barring injury, because I seriously doubt the Cubs are going to pay him 5+ million to set up.

 

Which I suppose, begs the question: Is Williamson's option a foregone conclusion to be picked up for 2006?

I think it will be picked up but I do think we need to add another good arm in the bullpen.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

After a quick calculation (could be wrong), since becoming the closer, Dempster is 33/35 in save opportunities with a 2.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers are comparable to/slightly better than B.J. Ryan's.

 

IMO, Dempster is the closer next year barring injury, because I seriously doubt the Cubs are going to pay him 5+ million to set up.

 

The cubs paid Hawkins almost $4.5M/year to set up.

[XZero771679666304]

After a quick calculation (could be wrong), since becoming the closer, Dempster is 33/35 in save opportunities with a 2.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers are comparable to/slightly better than B.J. Ryan's.

 

IMO, Dempster is the closer next year barring injury, because I seriously doubt the Cubs are going to pay him 5+ million to set up.

 

Which I suppose, begs the question: Is Williamson's option a foregone conclusion to be picked up for 2006?

 

I hope so. It's a low risk/high reward situation, IMO. You know Williamson is going to get more arm strength back over the offseason, and he is filthy when healthy.

 

I also think that another proven arm needs to be picked up.

[XZero771679666304]

After a quick calculation (could be wrong), since becoming the closer, Dempster is 33/35 in save opportunities with a 2.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers are comparable to/slightly better than B.J. Ryan's.

 

IMO, Dempster is the closer next year barring injury, because I seriously doubt the Cubs are going to pay him 5+ million to set up.

 

The cubs paid Hawkins almost $4.5M/year to set up.

 

And Hawkins was easily the best set-up man on the market at the time.

 

And you don't give a guy a raise after a top notch performance as a closer just to make him a set-up guy. If Hendry pulled Dempster from the closer's role after how well he has done, he would look like a real slime to other players, IMO.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

After a quick calculation (could be wrong), since becoming the closer, Dempster is 33/35 in save opportunities with a 2.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers are comparable to/slightly better than B.J. Ryan's.

 

IMO, Dempster is the closer next year barring injury, because I seriously doubt the Cubs are going to pay him 5+ million to set up.

 

 

The cubs paid Hawkins almost $4.5M/year to set up.

 

And Hawkins was easily the best set-up man on the market at the time.

 

And you don't give a guy a raise after a top notch performance as a closer just to make him a set-up guy. If Hendry pulled Dempster from the closer's role after how well he has done, he would look like a real slime to other players, IMO.

 

yup, and this is a different year and a different market. Relief help is at a premium now with so many teams contending so late this season and thinking they will contend next season.

[Outshined_One]

And Hawkins was easily the best set-up man on the market at the time.

 

And you don't give a guy a raise after a top notch performance as a closer just to make him a set-up guy. If Hendry pulled Dempster from the closer's role after how well he has done, he would look like a real slime to other players, IMO.

 

Eh, he'd be justified in moving Dempster to a setup role if he acquired a comparable or better closer in the offseason. I don't think anyone would be mad about that.

[CoolHandLuke]

couple questions

 

Do the Cubs have an option on Williamson or is he a free agent and if they have an option what is it for?

 

And what setup type guys are on the market this offseason, either through a trade or free agency?

[XZero771679666304]

And Hawkins was easily the best set-up man on the market at the time.

 

And you don't give a guy a raise after a top notch performance as a closer just to make him a set-up guy. If Hendry pulled Dempster from the closer's role after how well he has done, he would look like a real slime to other players, IMO.

 

Eh, he'd be justified in moving Dempster to a setup role if he acquired a comparable or better closer in the offseason. I don't think anyone would be mad about that.

 

The thing is, if you look at his numbers as a closer, there aren't too many better out there. You can't make much of a case for bumping him for a guy like B.J. Ryan. Billy Wagner maybe, but you're going to have to pay lot more for him. If you give Dempster's jobe to B.J. Ryan, I would bet the farm Dempster would be pissed.

 

If you ask me, signing another closer would just be redundant, especially if that closer isn't markedly better. We have a very good closer at a good price, and we have other problems to throw money at.

[XZero771679666304]

couple questions

 

Do the Cubs have an option on Williamson or is he a free agent and if they have an option what is it for?

 

And what setup type guys are on the market this offseason, either through a trade or free agency?

 

I believe the Cubs hold a 2 mil option on Williamson.

 

Some notable non-closer relievers on the market are Felix Rodriguez, Guillermo Mota, Tim Worrell, Mike Timlin, Dotel (though he's injured), and Rudy Seanez, to name a few.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm not a huge fan of Dempster getting 3 years.