Ryan Dempster has turned down at least three offers so far this off season.A two year deal with the Brewers for unknown money;2/$25 million from Red Sox and 2/$26 million from Royals.
Dempster wants a three year guaranteed deal.
He is 35, so this is his "last" deal of his career. He wants to cashout high for personal reasons.
But he is 35 and teams don't want to flush starter money downthe toilet.
In 2012, Dempster went 5-5, 2.24 ERA for the Cubs;but then after the trade to Texas, went 7-3, 5.09 ERA.It may have been a harsh adjustment to the AL, or it couldbe age catching up. The latter is what has some GMs worried.
He made $14 million last season, so he expects a raise fora combined 12-8, 3.38 ERA season.
But in his 15 seasons, he is a career 124-124, 4.33 ERA pitcher(with 87 saves).
As the winter meetings ended, most scribes were surprised by the lack of
major signings or major trades. Teams have gotten conservative on
their spending on big-name free agents.
For example, the Rangers decided not to make Josh Hamilton a
$100 million player. So his market was severely limited, as the Yankees
are cutting payroll to get under the luxury tax (and talking about trading
players like Granderson in order to do it) and the Red Sox are taking a
more short term view of players (with the signing of Victorino for 3 years).
That leaves Hamilton with one known suitor, the Mariners, a bad team which
does not want to spend money just for publicity. Seattle may find it easier
to hold on to its pitching talent and trade prospects for a David DeJesus
type outfielder than do a long term deal with Hamilton. But in the end,
the Mariners signed Jason Bay, who was released by the Mets.
So there is a waiting game in progress. Dempster may find more interest
after Greinke signs, but maybe not in a three year deal.
Showing posts with label Dempster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dempster. Show all posts
December 8, 2012
November 2, 2012
HOT STOVE WARM UP
The winter baseball season has started with many writers culling the free agent list to speculate where the top fifty will land in 2013. Real movement will begin at the Winter Meetings in December.
But it does not stop the crystal balls from being polished by wordsmiths.
Here are the names currently attached to the Cubs as potential free agent catches:
1. Shaun Marcum, sp (Brewers), 30 years old. He went 7-4, 3.70 ERA in 21 starts. 1.266 WHIP. He made $7.75 million last season. The real issue is that he has an elbow injury or concern. The new front office is like the old front office in that they are willing to take fliers on injured pitchers (example, Maholm for Tommy John repaired Vizcaino.) The Cubs destroyed their starting rotation at the trade deadline, and will try to move Garza this winter. There are no ready capable starters in the minor league system. So the Cubs have to fill the rotation with second or third tier starters just to field a team. (If the Cubs kept Maholm, he would have been cheaper at $6.5 million). The plan will be to try to sign a down pitcher, and if he performs, to flip him for more prospects at the trade deadline.
2. Jeremy Guthrie, sp, (Rockies-Royals), 33 years old. He went 8-12, 4.76 ERA in 33 starts. He did do better in Kansas City,going 5-3 with 3.16 ERA. He made $8.2 million. So you do not know what you are getting with Guthrie, bad Rocky or good Royal. He is only has a .417 career winning percentage. But he could give you 180 IP.
3. Ryan Dempster, sp, (Cubs-Rangers), 35 years old. The Cubs pushed him out the door to get a third base prospect from the Rangers. With Texas, he went 7-3 with a high 5.09 ERA in 12 starts and 1.435 WHIP. Was it the AL that made Dempster a dramatically worse pitcher? Or has the decline started? Why would Dempster want to come back to the Cubs who traded him at the deadline? The Cubs PR department wants to get fans looking forward into the distant future, so bringing back the "ace" of the staff for a 101-loss team seems counterproductive. Dempster made $14 million last season, and would probably want a multi-year guaranteed deal to get a discount.
4. Torii Hunter, of, (Angels), 37 years old. The Angels have no room in the outfield for Hunter. The idea that the Brett Jackson experiment will not pan out is premature. Hunter made $18 million last season. He hit .313, 16 HR, 92 RBI in a very powerful lineup. It makes little sense to spend $10 million or more on an outfielder on the bare bones rebuilding club when that money can be spent on a #4 starter or three veteran bench players.
5. Dan Haren, sp, (Angels), 32 years old. He made $12.75 million and the Angels have a $15.5 million option to be exercised today if the team wants to sign and trade him. Some believe he is an injury waiting to happen, Haren did make 30 starts for the Angels. He went 12-13, 4.33 ERA, 1.291 WHIP. He would be an expensive acquisition, and would be very difficult to trade at the deadline because of his salary.
But it does not stop the crystal balls from being polished by wordsmiths.
Here are the names currently attached to the Cubs as potential free agent catches:
1. Shaun Marcum, sp (Brewers), 30 years old. He went 7-4, 3.70 ERA in 21 starts. 1.266 WHIP. He made $7.75 million last season. The real issue is that he has an elbow injury or concern. The new front office is like the old front office in that they are willing to take fliers on injured pitchers (example, Maholm for Tommy John repaired Vizcaino.) The Cubs destroyed their starting rotation at the trade deadline, and will try to move Garza this winter. There are no ready capable starters in the minor league system. So the Cubs have to fill the rotation with second or third tier starters just to field a team. (If the Cubs kept Maholm, he would have been cheaper at $6.5 million). The plan will be to try to sign a down pitcher, and if he performs, to flip him for more prospects at the trade deadline.
2. Jeremy Guthrie, sp, (Rockies-Royals), 33 years old. He went 8-12, 4.76 ERA in 33 starts. He did do better in Kansas City,going 5-3 with 3.16 ERA. He made $8.2 million. So you do not know what you are getting with Guthrie, bad Rocky or good Royal. He is only has a .417 career winning percentage. But he could give you 180 IP.
3. Ryan Dempster, sp, (Cubs-Rangers), 35 years old. The Cubs pushed him out the door to get a third base prospect from the Rangers. With Texas, he went 7-3 with a high 5.09 ERA in 12 starts and 1.435 WHIP. Was it the AL that made Dempster a dramatically worse pitcher? Or has the decline started? Why would Dempster want to come back to the Cubs who traded him at the deadline? The Cubs PR department wants to get fans looking forward into the distant future, so bringing back the "ace" of the staff for a 101-loss team seems counterproductive. Dempster made $14 million last season, and would probably want a multi-year guaranteed deal to get a discount.
4. Torii Hunter, of, (Angels), 37 years old. The Angels have no room in the outfield for Hunter. The idea that the Brett Jackson experiment will not pan out is premature. Hunter made $18 million last season. He hit .313, 16 HR, 92 RBI in a very powerful lineup. It makes little sense to spend $10 million or more on an outfielder on the bare bones rebuilding club when that money can be spent on a #4 starter or three veteran bench players.
5. Dan Haren, sp, (Angels), 32 years old. He made $12.75 million and the Angels have a $15.5 million option to be exercised today if the team wants to sign and trade him. Some believe he is an injury waiting to happen, Haren did make 30 starts for the Angels. He went 12-13, 4.33 ERA, 1.291 WHIP. He would be an expensive acquisition, and would be very difficult to trade at the deadline because of his salary.
September 13, 2012
TRADE REVIEW
Some people in LA rue the day the Dodgers made the $250 million trade with the Red Sox, as the team continues to under perform.
How are the ex-Cub players doing in their pennant chases?
Maholm as a Cub in 21 games, went 9-6, 3.74 ERA with 1.238 WHIP. In Atlanta, in 8 games, he is 3-4, 4.28 ERA and 1.324 WHIP. He is below his Cub par with the Braves so far.
Reed Johnson as a Cub in 76 games hit 3 HR, 16 RBI, .302 BA. In Atlanta, in 26 games, he has hit 0 HR, 4 RBI and .313 BA. He was brought in as a bench player, so he is probably on par so far with the Braves.
Dempster as a Cub in 16 games went 5-5, 2.25 ERA and 1.038 WHIP. In Texas, in 8 gqames, he is 6-1, 4.11 ERA and 1.291 WHIP. Dempster, with more offensive support, is doing exactly what the Rangers want him to do: post wins.
Soto as a Cub in 52 games hit 6 HR, 14 RBI, .199 BA. In Texas, in 33 games, he is hitting 3 HR, 17 RBI and .213 BA. He is slightly improved over his Cub stats as a Ranger.
The Braves and the Rangers are content with the trades that they made because the ex-Cubs are contributing to their pennant runs.
The one person coming in via trade on the Cubs now is Anthony Recker, from Oakland. In 13 games as an A's, he hit only .129 with 0 HR and 0 RBI. In 4 games as a Cub, he is hitting .222 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. He is hardly the answer at catcher.
How are the ex-Cub players doing in their pennant chases?
Maholm as a Cub in 21 games, went 9-6, 3.74 ERA with 1.238 WHIP. In Atlanta, in 8 games, he is 3-4, 4.28 ERA and 1.324 WHIP. He is below his Cub par with the Braves so far.
Reed Johnson as a Cub in 76 games hit 3 HR, 16 RBI, .302 BA. In Atlanta, in 26 games, he has hit 0 HR, 4 RBI and .313 BA. He was brought in as a bench player, so he is probably on par so far with the Braves.
Dempster as a Cub in 16 games went 5-5, 2.25 ERA and 1.038 WHIP. In Texas, in 8 gqames, he is 6-1, 4.11 ERA and 1.291 WHIP. Dempster, with more offensive support, is doing exactly what the Rangers want him to do: post wins.
Soto as a Cub in 52 games hit 6 HR, 14 RBI, .199 BA. In Texas, in 33 games, he is hitting 3 HR, 17 RBI and .213 BA. He is slightly improved over his Cub stats as a Ranger.
The Braves and the Rangers are content with the trades that they made because the ex-Cubs are contributing to their pennant runs.
The one person coming in via trade on the Cubs now is Anthony Recker, from Oakland. In 13 games as an A's, he hit only .129 with 0 HR and 0 RBI. In 4 games as a Cub, he is hitting .222 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. He is hardly the answer at catcher.
August 6, 2012
SMOLDERING TRADE TALK
The Chicago Tribune reported that the Dodgers were upset with the reports that at the trade deadline, pitcher Ryan Dempster was listening into the trade conversations between team representatives.
Theo Epstein now claims that the reporter(s) "misinterpreted" what he said; he meant to say was that Dempster was brought into the room and told what was going on with the Dodgers.
But the initial reports made it appear that Dempster was in the Cubs business offices, listening in (speaker phone) to the trade talk. Apparently, stung from the "lack of communication" that doomed the Atlanta trade, the Cubs front office put Dempster at ground zero to show him that the Dodgers really were not that interested in him, and that he had to think about alternative destinations.
Now Dempster could have said no to any team but the Dodgers, since he has 10 & 5 trade veto rights. But giving Dempster an insider view of the situation, it may have made it easier to accept a deal to the Rangers knowing that the Dodgers were not making a real play for him.
The Dodgers are upset with the reports in that the conversations between general managers is supposed to remain confidential. You don't want outsiders in on the conversation to know that a team is willing to trade certain players, because the team probably has not told those players. You don't want to upset your current roster with trade rumors (which ironically, is what ticked Dempster off in the Atlanta deal: the media reported the trade before the Cubs told him about it.)
We will never know what exactly happened at the trade deadline. We do know that Dempster was at the Cub offices, and he was told by the Cubs of the trade talks going no where with the Dodgers. Whether Dempster was in the room listening in on the exact conversation, that will be one word against another.
But what this does reveal about the Cubs organization is that the new guys have problems communicating with their players and apparently with other general managers in the area of "professional protocol." Throughout the history of the game, there have been some general managers that other teams just refused to deal with on any level (due to personality conflicts, ethics, or being blabbermouths at the press bar). There are some teams that refuse to deal with clubs in their own division. Every general manager in the game today needs to have some working relationship with his peers, otherwise the team is at a disadvantage.
The whole two week Dempster trade saga puts the Cubs in a terrible light with other clubs and the general public.
UPDATE: ESPNChicago updates the saga with a conversation with Dempster, who says he was not in the room when the negotiations between general managers took place. He came in later to discuss things. ESPN quotes:
Theo Epstein now claims that the reporter(s) "misinterpreted" what he said; he meant to say was that Dempster was brought into the room and told what was going on with the Dodgers.
But the initial reports made it appear that Dempster was in the Cubs business offices, listening in (speaker phone) to the trade talk. Apparently, stung from the "lack of communication" that doomed the Atlanta trade, the Cubs front office put Dempster at ground zero to show him that the Dodgers really were not that interested in him, and that he had to think about alternative destinations.
Now Dempster could have said no to any team but the Dodgers, since he has 10 & 5 trade veto rights. But giving Dempster an insider view of the situation, it may have made it easier to accept a deal to the Rangers knowing that the Dodgers were not making a real play for him.
The Dodgers are upset with the reports in that the conversations between general managers is supposed to remain confidential. You don't want outsiders in on the conversation to know that a team is willing to trade certain players, because the team probably has not told those players. You don't want to upset your current roster with trade rumors (which ironically, is what ticked Dempster off in the Atlanta deal: the media reported the trade before the Cubs told him about it.)
We will never know what exactly happened at the trade deadline. We do know that Dempster was at the Cub offices, and he was told by the Cubs of the trade talks going no where with the Dodgers. Whether Dempster was in the room listening in on the exact conversation, that will be one word against another.
But what this does reveal about the Cubs organization is that the new guys have problems communicating with their players and apparently with other general managers in the area of "professional protocol." Throughout the history of the game, there have been some general managers that other teams just refused to deal with on any level (due to personality conflicts, ethics, or being blabbermouths at the press bar). There are some teams that refuse to deal with clubs in their own division. Every general manager in the game today needs to have some working relationship with his peers, otherwise the team is at a disadvantage.
The whole two week Dempster trade saga puts the Cubs in a terrible light with other clubs and the general public.
UPDATE: ESPNChicago updates the saga with a conversation with Dempster, who says he was not in the room when the negotiations between general managers took place. He came in later to discuss things. ESPN quotes:
"I never was listening to the Dodgers and Cubs negotiate this deal,"
Dempster said. "I was in the other room, and they wanted me there to be
informed and also be able to talk about other teams that may come up.
They came to me with a couple of other teams, but there was never any
deal they had set up. When they came to me eventually with the Yankees
and Texas, and it appeared we weren't going to get anything done with
the Dodgers, I told them to go ahead.
"At about a half hour before
the deadline, they put me on the phone with Ned Colletti. We had a
conversation and it was apparent at that time that regardless of how
hard all sides worked, that they weren't going to get a deal done. I
told him I definitely wanted to come to the Dodgers, and that I'd be
interested in signing an extension, and I told him I wasn't just saying
that to try to get the deal done. At that point, we just said goodbye
and wished each other well."
August 1, 2012
SURPRISE MOVE
Maybe Ryan Dempster just wanted a better landing spot for a contender than the Atlanta Braves. He got it with the Texas Rangers, who have the players to continue to go deep in the post-season if their pitching holds up. Injuries to two starters made Texas make a move to find a quality arm for the pennant chase.
The Rangers acquired Dempster for Class A minor league third baseman Christian Villanueva and Class A minor league right-hander Kyle Hendricks.
Dempster was drafted by the Rangers in the third in 1995 but he was traded to the Marlins in 1996. Converted from being a closer, Dempster was a fairly consistent starter for the Cubs. Since acquiring 10-and-5 rights, Dempster had to approve the trade to the Rangers, which in some respects was a surprise since all indications was he wanted to move to the Dodgers.
Despite a low win total, Dempster posted a 2.25 ERA with 7.2 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 in 104 innings with the Cubs this year. He's earning $14MM -- nearly $5MM between now and the end of the season -- and will hit free agency this fall. It was clear that the Cubs would not tender him a contract at the end of the season, so there would be no compensation pick in the next draft. So the Cubs really needed to trade Dempster and receive something in return.
Villanueva, 21, has a .285/.356/.421 batting line in 425 plate appearances with Class A Myrtle Beach this year. The third baseman entered the 2012 season as the 100th-best prospect in MLB, according to Baseball America. He has a .286/.350/.438 batting line in four minor league seasons. However, the Rangers have another third base prospect, Mike Olt, which they believe is better than Villanueva. In a classic case of trading a prospect blocked at his position, the Rangers traded for Dempster, a proven commodity.
The Cubs have been recently talking about shoring up the lack of depth in the minor league system, especially at third base. Villanueva shows some offensive power but has a weak fielding percentage at third base. In some respects, he is in the mold of Cub minor leaguer Josh Vitters.
But the key to the deal is the pitching prospect. Hendricks, 22, has a 2.82 ERA with 7.7 K/9 and 1.0 BB/9 in 130 2/3 innings over the course of 20 starts at Myrtle Beach. The 6'2" right-hander has 150 strikeouts and just 21 walks in 166 1/3 innings since being selected in the eighth round of the 2011 draft.
On paper, this looks like a good deal for the Cubs. The two prospects will take at least 3 to 4 years in the minor league development ranks before they have a chance to make the major league roster. Project late 2015. The Cubs front office has stressed that it wants to go young and acquire more "assets" under their control. The trade of four major leaguers for five minor league prospects is not quite the volume that most observers expected from the Cubs. And there were no immediate "impact" players in any of the Cub deals.
In fact, most writers believe the Cubs had a better deal with the Braves for Randall Delgado, a major league ready pitcher.
July 27, 2012
GARZA, DEMPSTER TO STAY
The Cubs appear to be falling face on their collective face.
First, it was the Dempster to Atlanta trade that fell a part because Dempster felt "blindsided" by the news of it. If Dempster did not give the Cubs any preferences, then shame on management for not discussing the prospect of trading him. But if Dempster did give an indication he'd go to Atlanta, then shame on him for pulling out at the last moment. For if Dempster wants to stay a Cub, all he has to do is say "I am not waiving my 10-5 rights." Then the Cubs don't have to waste time trying to deal him for prospects.
The Dempster saga was clearly a distraction and a PR disaster.
Second, Garza gets hurt in his last start. It was initially stated maybe an elbow or arm cramps, but turns out to be a triceps injury of unknown severity. However, Garza will miss his next start (his last one before the trade deadline). No team will trade for an injured starting pitcher at the trade deadline. Garza will stay a Cub for the rest of the season. There is little chance that Garza will clear waivers after August 1st to make an in-season move with so many other teams vying for the second wild card spot.
So the Cubs will have Dempster and Garza on the roster to the end of the season. Then, another problem occurs which should make management nervous. The whole point of trading Garza and Dempster was to bring back high level and major league ready prospects in return to quicken the rebuilding process. Dempster is a free agent at season's end. In order to get a compensatory draft pick, the Cubs would have to give Dempster a "qualifying offer" of around $12.5 million (which is a $1.5 million pay cut). Maybe the Cubs think Dempster will reject the offer and file for free agency. However, since Dempster and his family are now a fixtures in Chicago, it is highly probable that Dempster could accept the offer and be a Cub in 2014. That would set back rebuilding even further.
Garza could head to his last year of arbitration. He is likely going to make the same as Dempster's offer, $12.5 million (an approximate $2.75 million raise). The Cubs may not think Garza is truly a #1 starter since they have been trying to trade him this year. The Cubs don't want to pay a large extension contract for a pitcher on a ball club that will not be ready to compete until 2015. Ricketts has to be counting the days when his payroll is cut to under $100 million. But if Dempster and Garza both stay, then the payroll relief does not happen.
So the rebuilding process stalls in neutral for another year.
First, it was the Dempster to Atlanta trade that fell a part because Dempster felt "blindsided" by the news of it. If Dempster did not give the Cubs any preferences, then shame on management for not discussing the prospect of trading him. But if Dempster did give an indication he'd go to Atlanta, then shame on him for pulling out at the last moment. For if Dempster wants to stay a Cub, all he has to do is say "I am not waiving my 10-5 rights." Then the Cubs don't have to waste time trying to deal him for prospects.
The Dempster saga was clearly a distraction and a PR disaster.
Second, Garza gets hurt in his last start. It was initially stated maybe an elbow or arm cramps, but turns out to be a triceps injury of unknown severity. However, Garza will miss his next start (his last one before the trade deadline). No team will trade for an injured starting pitcher at the trade deadline. Garza will stay a Cub for the rest of the season. There is little chance that Garza will clear waivers after August 1st to make an in-season move with so many other teams vying for the second wild card spot.
So the Cubs will have Dempster and Garza on the roster to the end of the season. Then, another problem occurs which should make management nervous. The whole point of trading Garza and Dempster was to bring back high level and major league ready prospects in return to quicken the rebuilding process. Dempster is a free agent at season's end. In order to get a compensatory draft pick, the Cubs would have to give Dempster a "qualifying offer" of around $12.5 million (which is a $1.5 million pay cut). Maybe the Cubs think Dempster will reject the offer and file for free agency. However, since Dempster and his family are now a fixtures in Chicago, it is highly probable that Dempster could accept the offer and be a Cub in 2014. That would set back rebuilding even further.
Garza could head to his last year of arbitration. He is likely going to make the same as Dempster's offer, $12.5 million (an approximate $2.75 million raise). The Cubs may not think Garza is truly a #1 starter since they have been trying to trade him this year. The Cubs don't want to pay a large extension contract for a pitcher on a ball club that will not be ready to compete until 2015. Ricketts has to be counting the days when his payroll is cut to under $100 million. But if Dempster and Garza both stay, then the payroll relief does not happen.
So the rebuilding process stalls in neutral for another year.
July 23, 2012
ONE FOR THE DUMPSTER
An unbelievable, baffling afternoon on the Cubs front.
It was reported by multiple sources than the Cubs traded Dempster to the Braves for 22 year old pitcher Randall Delgado (17 starts: 4-9, 4.22 ERA). Then there was a delay about who else may be part of the deal, or that the league office had to approve the deal because of the money changing hands.
But that is pretty standard in big money deals.
However, when the news of the trade hit the inter-webs, it drew a strong reaction from a principal:
It was reported by multiple sources than the Cubs traded Dempster to the Braves for 22 year old pitcher Randall Delgado (17 starts: 4-9, 4.22 ERA). Then there was a delay about who else may be part of the deal, or that the league office had to approve the deal because of the money changing hands.
But that is pretty standard in big money deals.
However, when the news of the trade hit the inter-webs, it drew a strong reaction from a principal:
Dempster tweets NO TRADE.
Apparently, he learned of the Braves deal from the media and not the Cubs.
He has not approved any trade to the Braves. He was in Pittsburgh getting ready for tonight's game.
And since the Cubs failed to talk to him directly before it got out in the media,
we could assume Dempster is ticked off - - - - and may veto the deal out of spite.
If this is the timeline, it is damning fumble by the Cubs front office. Don't you talk to Dempster BEFORE making the deal and negotiating with the Braves?? You don't cut a deal then go seek Dempster's permission to waive his no trade. That would be a backward waste of time and resources.
UPDATE 7-24-2012 9 A.M.:
MLBTR reports this morning that Dempster felt "blindsided when the news of the proposed deal" leaked before the Cubs told him about the possible deal. As we said yesterday, the Cubs brass fumbled their human relations skills badly; by not telling Dempster in advance whether he would take a trade to Atlanta (before starting discussions), it is reported the chances of a deal being completed are only 50-50.
Ricketts brought in Epstein because he was the smartest GM on the market. He was a genius. But the way Cub management has handled this Dempster trade has been really dumb.
UPDATE 7-25-2012 3 P.M.:
The Braves GM says the Dempster deal is dead.
Dempster throws a tantrum in the dugout in Pittsburgh after being pulled from game (a loss).
UPDATE 7-24-2012 9 A.M.:
MLBTR reports this morning that Dempster felt "blindsided when the news of the proposed deal" leaked before the Cubs told him about the possible deal. As we said yesterday, the Cubs brass fumbled their human relations skills badly; by not telling Dempster in advance whether he would take a trade to Atlanta (before starting discussions), it is reported the chances of a deal being completed are only 50-50.
Ricketts brought in Epstein because he was the smartest GM on the market. He was a genius. But the way Cub management has handled this Dempster trade has been really dumb.
UPDATE 7-25-2012 3 P.M.:
The Braves GM says the Dempster deal is dead.
Dempster throws a tantrum in the dugout in Pittsburgh after being pulled from game (a loss).
June 19, 2012
TRADE WATCH
The temperature in Chicago will remain in the mid 90s all week. That means a blast furnace of hot stove speculation is beginning for current Cub players.
The most tradable Cub, Ryan Dempster, is now on the disabled list with a lat muscle issue. It is unclear the nature or extent of the problem. Dempster said he has played through the pain before, but the team decided to rest him on the DL to preserve whatever trade value he has to the rebuilding process. A disabled player or one with an injury question will dramatically decrease the value in trade talks. Dempster will have to return from the DL and return to his excellent form in order to get any trade offers.
The complexity of trading Dempster is that he has full trade veto rights. If the Cubs want to trade Dempster, the team needs his permission. So Dempster will control where he winds up. In addition, Dempster is playing for another contract. His current deal expires at the end of this season. He is a "rent a player" for the rest of the year, or he may want an extension from his new team in order to complete a deal.
The Cubs have been showcasing Soriano to anyone with a set of eyeballs. The Cubs have made it clear that they will pick up a substantial amount of Soriano's remaining contract in order to cut a deal. Soriano is resigned to the fate of a possible trade, but wants to go to a contender. But most contenders already have a full outfield (and DH in the AL). Most contenders are looking for adding bench strength, bullpen help or temporary replacements until regulars get off the disabled list. Soriano really does not fit into those need categories. And even if the Cubs eat 95% of Soriano's contract, they may get nothing in return.
In the rumor mills, the Dodgers were interested in Dempster before his DL. It was reported that the Indians were scouting Soriano. The Indians find themselves in the hunt in the AL Central race, and need a power hitter to fill out their line up. The Dodgers are trying to make a statement under new ownership, and bringing in a front line pitcher would be a coup.
Matt Garza appears to be the new front line trade piece since Dempster is now on the DL. Several teams have indicated interest in Garza (Yankees, Tigers). Since being with the Cubs, Garza has been inconsistent in his starts. He has had good outings, followed by bad outings. But he has a track record of winning in the AL East, which is probably where he would wind up. Garza also has contract issues to deal with; he is arbitration eligible but wants to have a long term, guaranteed deal. That may turn off some teams. But some teams desperate for a starter at the trade deadline will pay the price for Garza.
Today, Ken Rosenthal writes that several teams have inquired about Darwin Barney. This is a little surprising, considering that Barney would really project as a bench player on a contender. But as we have said before, contenders are usually looking for scrappy utility players to upgrade their benches around trade time. These are not high profile, high value deals. If Barney is dealt, the Cubs will fill his position with one of Hoyer's AAA waiver claims that have been going back and forth from Iowa the last month.
When the Dodgers were scouting Dempster, the local press determined that LA was not interested in Bryan LaHair. LaHair was on the block because it is clear that the Cubs' future, Anthony Rizzo, would be called up soon to play first base. That would leave LaHair without a position. However, last night in a bold move in high winds on the South Side, manager Sveum put LaHair out in RF. The gamble paid off with a good first inning defensive play and a solid night at the plate (with a HR). So if LaHair can play RF, the need to trade him lessens. However, if he can play RF and 1B, some rival teams may consider him more valuable. The question for management is whether LaHair is a better long term solution in RF than David DeJesus (who played CF last night). It is a classic trade off of more offensive potential or less defensive tools with LaHair over DeJesus.
The most tradable Cub, Ryan Dempster, is now on the disabled list with a lat muscle issue. It is unclear the nature or extent of the problem. Dempster said he has played through the pain before, but the team decided to rest him on the DL to preserve whatever trade value he has to the rebuilding process. A disabled player or one with an injury question will dramatically decrease the value in trade talks. Dempster will have to return from the DL and return to his excellent form in order to get any trade offers.
The complexity of trading Dempster is that he has full trade veto rights. If the Cubs want to trade Dempster, the team needs his permission. So Dempster will control where he winds up. In addition, Dempster is playing for another contract. His current deal expires at the end of this season. He is a "rent a player" for the rest of the year, or he may want an extension from his new team in order to complete a deal.
The Cubs have been showcasing Soriano to anyone with a set of eyeballs. The Cubs have made it clear that they will pick up a substantial amount of Soriano's remaining contract in order to cut a deal. Soriano is resigned to the fate of a possible trade, but wants to go to a contender. But most contenders already have a full outfield (and DH in the AL). Most contenders are looking for adding bench strength, bullpen help or temporary replacements until regulars get off the disabled list. Soriano really does not fit into those need categories. And even if the Cubs eat 95% of Soriano's contract, they may get nothing in return.
In the rumor mills, the Dodgers were interested in Dempster before his DL. It was reported that the Indians were scouting Soriano. The Indians find themselves in the hunt in the AL Central race, and need a power hitter to fill out their line up. The Dodgers are trying to make a statement under new ownership, and bringing in a front line pitcher would be a coup.
Matt Garza appears to be the new front line trade piece since Dempster is now on the DL. Several teams have indicated interest in Garza (Yankees, Tigers). Since being with the Cubs, Garza has been inconsistent in his starts. He has had good outings, followed by bad outings. But he has a track record of winning in the AL East, which is probably where he would wind up. Garza also has contract issues to deal with; he is arbitration eligible but wants to have a long term, guaranteed deal. That may turn off some teams. But some teams desperate for a starter at the trade deadline will pay the price for Garza.
Today, Ken Rosenthal writes that several teams have inquired about Darwin Barney. This is a little surprising, considering that Barney would really project as a bench player on a contender. But as we have said before, contenders are usually looking for scrappy utility players to upgrade their benches around trade time. These are not high profile, high value deals. If Barney is dealt, the Cubs will fill his position with one of Hoyer's AAA waiver claims that have been going back and forth from Iowa the last month.
When the Dodgers were scouting Dempster, the local press determined that LA was not interested in Bryan LaHair. LaHair was on the block because it is clear that the Cubs' future, Anthony Rizzo, would be called up soon to play first base. That would leave LaHair without a position. However, last night in a bold move in high winds on the South Side, manager Sveum put LaHair out in RF. The gamble paid off with a good first inning defensive play and a solid night at the plate (with a HR). So if LaHair can play RF, the need to trade him lessens. However, if he can play RF and 1B, some rival teams may consider him more valuable. The question for management is whether LaHair is a better long term solution in RF than David DeJesus (who played CF last night). It is a classic trade off of more offensive potential or less defensive tools with LaHair over DeJesus.
May 29, 2012
10 & 5
The 10 & 5 rule in baseball means that a player with 10 years of major league experience, and five with his current club, can veto any trade. This rule will come up often in the next two months as Ryan Dempster situation unfolds by the trade deadline.
Dempster is having a career year at age 35. He is 0-3, 2.14 ERA, a career low 1.061 WHIP and career high K/BB ratio of 3.33. With starting pitching injuries on contenders such as the Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers and Cardinals, Dempster will be in high demand.
But Dempster may not want to move. He has been a Cub since 2004. He has been the "good soldier," being a closer when needed, then returning to the rotation. With Kerry Wood retired, Dempster is the last of the pitchers from the overachieving 2000 championship run clubs. Dempster has assumed the leadership role in the media. He has the traits the Ricketts like: loyal family man, charitable foundation, good media presence and team spokesman. So one part of the organization would want to keep him around (like Wood), while the rebuilders would like to get young "assets" in a trade. In all probability, Dempster would probably veto a trade this season to remain close to home with his family.
Dempster is in the final year of his contract. He would be a free agent after the season. However, SunTimes reports that contract talks on an extension are being re-examined. This is going to be Dempster's last professional contract, so he probably has the most leverage in the situation.
The question is whether it makes any sense to re-sign Dempster at $15 million/season.
If you look at the current Cubs roster, there may be 10 players that have a future in the organization, and maybe five that you would want to build your team around (Castro, Maholm, Garza, LaHair, Samardzija).
Garza is having an awful run of starts lately; whether that it concurrent with trade rumors is unclear. Maholm started off slow, but has been a consistent #4 in the rotation. But Maholm could also be a valuable trade chip as a lefty starter.
GM Jed Hoyer stated that "pitching will be a priority" during this year's June draft. We have heard this line before; Hendry and Wilkens overloaded on pitching selections for more than a decade. However, only one has panned out to be a current starter, Samardzija, and the jury is still out on whether he can put together a full season. So if the focus will be re-stocking the organization with young pitching talent (which means at least 2.5 years before they would be expected to try out for a major league roster spot), do the Cubs need to retain veterans like Dempster, Garza and Maholm until the new crop of draftees arrives in 2015?
Starting is not the only pitching issue to address. The Cubs have gone through 5 closers so far this season. Marmol lost his job, got hurt, and now has returned from rehab as a middle reliever. Dolis was handed the closer job, looked good then really bad, and now was demoted to Iowa to "work on his control." Former Hendry draft choices Wells, Coleman and Russell are failed starters who are now attempting to hold on to the collapsing bullpen. It appears that Coleman, Russell and journeyman Camp are now the closers by committee under Sveum. If pedigree were a clue, Russell would have an edge but he does not have his father's dominant fastball to be an effective strikeout closer. It is interesting to note that AAA closer Blake Parker is not in the discussion to become the Cubs closer.
As noted as the season started, the new management blew up the bullpen in order to shore up the starting rotation. However, the starting rotation has been shaky and the bullpen has been awful. Now, do you blow up the quality starters in order to shore up the bullpen and add arms to the minor league system via trades?
In one respect, that is the (Dempster) $15 million question. Do you spend that 2013 money on Dempster, or on signing Garza? Do you trade Dempster and/or Garza to free up $22 million and hit the free agent market in 2013? Besides Travis Wood, are there any starting pitchers ready to go in the system for this year or next?
With a top ten pick in the draft, the Cubs probably should focus in on the best available college starter with the game plan to sign him quickly, and assign him to AA to begin the fast track to a rotation spot in 2013. A rush promotion adds to the risk of a prospect busting, but if you listen to the grumblings of the Cub fans as they watch the product on the field the Cubs may not have time to be patient.
Dempster is having a career year at age 35. He is 0-3, 2.14 ERA, a career low 1.061 WHIP and career high K/BB ratio of 3.33. With starting pitching injuries on contenders such as the Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers and Cardinals, Dempster will be in high demand.
But Dempster may not want to move. He has been a Cub since 2004. He has been the "good soldier," being a closer when needed, then returning to the rotation. With Kerry Wood retired, Dempster is the last of the pitchers from the overachieving 2000 championship run clubs. Dempster has assumed the leadership role in the media. He has the traits the Ricketts like: loyal family man, charitable foundation, good media presence and team spokesman. So one part of the organization would want to keep him around (like Wood), while the rebuilders would like to get young "assets" in a trade. In all probability, Dempster would probably veto a trade this season to remain close to home with his family.
Dempster is in the final year of his contract. He would be a free agent after the season. However, SunTimes reports that contract talks on an extension are being re-examined. This is going to be Dempster's last professional contract, so he probably has the most leverage in the situation.
The question is whether it makes any sense to re-sign Dempster at $15 million/season.
If you look at the current Cubs roster, there may be 10 players that have a future in the organization, and maybe five that you would want to build your team around (Castro, Maholm, Garza, LaHair, Samardzija).
Garza is having an awful run of starts lately; whether that it concurrent with trade rumors is unclear. Maholm started off slow, but has been a consistent #4 in the rotation. But Maholm could also be a valuable trade chip as a lefty starter.
GM Jed Hoyer stated that "pitching will be a priority" during this year's June draft. We have heard this line before; Hendry and Wilkens overloaded on pitching selections for more than a decade. However, only one has panned out to be a current starter, Samardzija, and the jury is still out on whether he can put together a full season. So if the focus will be re-stocking the organization with young pitching talent (which means at least 2.5 years before they would be expected to try out for a major league roster spot), do the Cubs need to retain veterans like Dempster, Garza and Maholm until the new crop of draftees arrives in 2015?
Starting is not the only pitching issue to address. The Cubs have gone through 5 closers so far this season. Marmol lost his job, got hurt, and now has returned from rehab as a middle reliever. Dolis was handed the closer job, looked good then really bad, and now was demoted to Iowa to "work on his control." Former Hendry draft choices Wells, Coleman and Russell are failed starters who are now attempting to hold on to the collapsing bullpen. It appears that Coleman, Russell and journeyman Camp are now the closers by committee under Sveum. If pedigree were a clue, Russell would have an edge but he does not have his father's dominant fastball to be an effective strikeout closer. It is interesting to note that AAA closer Blake Parker is not in the discussion to become the Cubs closer.
As noted as the season started, the new management blew up the bullpen in order to shore up the starting rotation. However, the starting rotation has been shaky and the bullpen has been awful. Now, do you blow up the quality starters in order to shore up the bullpen and add arms to the minor league system via trades?
In one respect, that is the (Dempster) $15 million question. Do you spend that 2013 money on Dempster, or on signing Garza? Do you trade Dempster and/or Garza to free up $22 million and hit the free agent market in 2013? Besides Travis Wood, are there any starting pitchers ready to go in the system for this year or next?
With a top ten pick in the draft, the Cubs probably should focus in on the best available college starter with the game plan to sign him quickly, and assign him to AA to begin the fast track to a rotation spot in 2013. A rush promotion adds to the risk of a prospect busting, but if you listen to the grumblings of the Cub fans as they watch the product on the field the Cubs may not have time to be patient.
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