rtedly loves Chicago, would re-sign with the Cubs before Nov. 14 - the date all free agents are allowed to negotiate with other teams outside of their most recent organization. However, Dempster said he will test the waters this winter, which may result in a major loss for the Cubs starting rotation. After winning 17 games and piecing together the best year of his career in 2008, Dempster picked the perfect time to post incredible numbers as he was in the final year of a 3-year, $15.5 million contract. He will surely draw interest from all teams looking for starting pitching and may get a contract up to five years in excess of $60 million. This week, I searched the blogosphere to find any in-depth analysis on what kind of contract Dempster will receive and where he might play in 2009 and beyond, and I came across to unique posts on which I commented. The first one was entitled "I called it" written by avid Cubs' fan Kurt Evans. His post in the blog Goat Riders of the Apocalypse presented an argument that while the Cubs would greatly benefit in re-signing Dempster in the off season, the team should not offer him more than a three-year contract. Instead, they should trade for SP Jake Peavy. The second post was entitled "Free Agent at the End of the Season: Ryan Dempster," published American University student Josh Levitt in his blog Jorge Says No! This post highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of Dempster and provided a personal opinion on what type of contract the free agent pitcher should be expecting. In addition to posting my comments directly on each blog respectively, I have posted my comments below."I called it"
My Response:
Kurt, I would first like to thank you for writing an interesting post from a Cubs' regarding Dempster decision to test the free agent market this winter. Your knowledge as a fan exceeds most fan blogs I have read, and your insight provided me with more information than some professional blogs at ESPN or online newspapers. Many analysts and reporters believed Dempster would not consider testing the market following his impressive 2008 season when the starting pitcher went 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA while tallying 187 strike outs in 206.2 innings pitched. You, however, linked to a previous post of yours written nearly one month ago that explained Dempster may not be with the Cubs next season. In Dempster's case, he's 31 years old, and this may be his last opportunity to get that lucrative five year contract. In terms of your post, I like how you strongly stand by your belief that, "if Demspter can get 4 of 5 years elsewhere, then I believe the Cubs should wish him the best and send him on his way." While I don't agree with that feeling, I do recognize the benefits it provides for the Cubs, including the possible addition of Peavy and the free salary cap flexibility. My thoughts, however, feel that great starting pitching is very hard to come by in the Majors, and I personally do not think the Cubs have enough to offer in their minor league system to the San Diego Padres for Peavy. I also really enjoyed the list of pitchers you wrote that may be able to help the Cubs next season. After reading your post, I do have a few questions. If Dempster doesn't return to the Cubs, where do you think he will end up and for how much money? And, who would the Cubs go after? Also, if he does return, do you still see the Cubs going after any of the pitchers on the list you mentioned?
"Free Agent at the End of the Season: Ryan Dempster"
My Response:
First off, I would like to thank you Josh for writing such an interesting post pointing out the strengths and weaknesses to signing Ryan Dempster. Although I have read many blogs about the possibility of Dempster signing outside of Chicago as a free agent, not one post has outline the positives and negatives to signing the pitcher as you have. First and foremost, the structure of your work was incredible and very easy to follow. By writing Dempster's 2008 accomplishments to start your post, I knew exactly how great of a year Dempster had and what kind of demand he would have on the free agent market. While your arguments for signing Dempster - his age, relat
ively healthy arm, nasty pitcheing repertoire on the mound and mentality - were strong, I felt your position against Dempster was even stronger. Your wrote, "Sure Dempster had a great season this year, but he has only had one season in his 10 year career that even comes close to matching the kind of success he had this year (2000)." That's a big point a lot of teams are going to fail to look at when offering Dempster a big contract. Outside of his inexperience as a starter and lack on consistency on the mound, you pointed out the pitcher's high walk total and competition he will face among other top-flight free agents that may affect his value on the market. Additionally, I liked how you gave your own prediction on the type of contract Dempster will get based on your analysis of his skill and the market. I do agree that your four year, $48 million offer is quite conservative because I know a desperate team will start throwing out the money once other the free agent pitching crop begins to shrink. While your post covered a lot, however, you failed to mention where you think Dempster will end up. Do you think he'll stay in Chicago or will he chase the big bucks and sign elsewhere? Do you think Chicago will offer him more than a three year deal? Also, if Dempster signs in the AL, do you think he will be as effective?
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