Dempster signs

by coral on Nov 18, 2008 2:25 PM CST Comment 149 comments

Not sure if I'm doing this right but here is the link from the Chicago Tribune

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2008/11/dempster-cubs-c.html

I am pretty happy about this.

Oh, yeah - 75 words - Dempster signs-Dempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signsDempster signs

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I am happy too.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Nov 18, 2008 2:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good deal! :D

by sue369 on Nov 18, 2008 2:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

THIS LINK IS BETTER

www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=251650

by coral on Nov 18, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's Official.

This is what MLB.com has up right now.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081118&content_id=3683267&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp

I dig Dempster, but, I just hope the financial aspect doesn’t come back and bite the Cubs. Hopefully, he keeps producing like last year.

Also, though I love Kerry Wood, I don’t want to be hearing everybody go “We should have signed Wood instead of Dempster.” Let’s hope he continues to get the job done!

by TheHawkRules on Nov 18, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Drop the balloons!!!

No, I’m not talking about the re-signing of Ryan Dempster, though I’m pretty happy about that, too. I’m talking about coral winning the race to write the first fanpost about it.

Congratulations, coral! (Oh, and congrats to Demp for the $52 million and all that.)

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 18, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

See my post in the other thread...

lol

breaking news. Let’s never speak of it again.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i deleted it

this is very good for our rotation, i think – but still only good for 1 fanpost lol

"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto

by CubbyBlues on Nov 18, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no big deal

just good timing and excitement (balloon drop is pretty cool)

by coral on Nov 18, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Stuff

Lock down Demp early, know what you’ve got left in the bank for other moves

"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett

by The Ryno and I Know on Nov 18, 2008 2:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

heres the details

of the deal here

wheres that leave our payroll as of right now??

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Nov 18, 2008 2:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Before Arbitration Players and the Dempster Deal...

… I think we are sitting at aroun$125M.

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

great - another backloaded contract

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It isn't backloaded by that much...

If you include the $4M bonus in the 2009 category, it is $12M, 12.5M, 13.5M, $14M option.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 18, 2008 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Including Dempster's $4M bonus in the "2009 Salaries" category...

My spreadsheet is at $136,405,000 for 2009.

That includes my guess on raises for: Gregg, Gaudin, RJ, Cotts, Marmol, Riot, LBR, Guzman, Soto, Hart, Marshall.

Not included: Edmonds, Blanco, Wood, Howry, Lieber, Ward, Wuertz, Onedec, Hoffpauir, and both Hills.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 18, 2008 7:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LBR?

Also, did you include Piniella?

I ask cuz I am at $146M… care to share the S/S?

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 19, 2008 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LBR=Fontenot

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 19, 2008 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Doh!

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 19, 2008 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Check your e-mail.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 19, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Got It

Thanks

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 19, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So, it's in essence a $48 mill dollar deal over 4 years... With a $4 mil. signing bonus.

According to the article, it’s an option year for 2012, I’ll bet that option year has a ton of incentives in it. This is a steal for a pitcher like Demp…

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 2:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty it is NOT incentive-laden...

the terms state it is a player option for $14 million. Nothing about incentives. That’s not usually how option years work.

Also, I’m not sure why you suddenly consider a 4 year, $52 million deal to be a steal when earlier in the day you were arguing that he wouldn’t get an offer from anyone of 4 years and $52 million. Why is this suddenly a steal when you said that a player coming off one good season wouldn’t get offers like this?

In the best-case scenario, it’s a 3 year, $38 million deal in which he pitches so well that he opts out after 2011. In that scenario, I’d agree it’s a steal. On the other hand, if he’s mediocre or worse over the next three years, then it is likely he takes on that option. 4 years and $52 million for a mediocre (or worse) pitcher is most certainly not a steal.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking best case scenario...

I could very well be wrong about the incentives. To sum it up, looking best case scenario, and seeing that it is a 48 million dollar deal over 4 yrs., (with the signing bonus boosting it to 52 mil. total). I didn’t think that he was going to get an offer like this from anybody else but the Cubs- and in essence it is a 48 mil. deal for 4 yrs.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, it's not a $48 million deal...

it is either a $38 million, 3 year deal (if he opts out) or a $52 million, 4 year deal (if he doesn’t). The signing bonus is part of the contract. The Cubs are paying him those $4 million. It’s just a matter of the timing of the payout. Ignoring the signing bonus doesn’t make any sense.

Your last sentence further confuses me. If you didn’t think he was going to get an offer like this from anybody else, then I’d argue even moreso that it’s a bad deal. In essence, you’re implying pretty directly that the Cubs overpaid.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, I give up...

You’re right, the Cubs overpaid for Demp terribly… He will never work this hard again, and he will return to being a mediocre pitcher.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're not paying attention to me apparently...

I’m not saying they definitely overpaid. I personally think they did, but I could be wrong. It all depends of course on which Dempster we get.

What I’m confused by is your apparent flip in stance. Up until the signing, you felt no one would offer him 4 years and $52 million, implying that would be overpaying and we could get him for less. Now, you’re saying it’s a steal.

Further, you’re saying that you still don’t think anyone else would have offered him 4 years and $52 million. I’m just not seeing how you can say that no one would have offered him that kind of money AND that it was a steal to sign him for that kid of money.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the deal...

I thought wrong. I was wrong. I was thinking of the contract, without the signing bonus. I still think it is a good deal though. Especially when pitchers like Loshe & Meche are getting 10 mil. per.

To sum up. I was wrong. You were right. I defer to your knowledge regarding the contract.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good. Now that we have that out of the way...

I certainly hope you’re right that Dempster maintains similar to his 2008 success and that the contract winds up looking like a steal.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too SoCub... me too.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A signing bonus is...

…considered part of a financial contract in all compensation packages

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're pretty? Too much information.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Very clever...

now if you could explain how 4 year $52 million is a steal when you also don’t think anyone else would have offered that much… :)

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the question-

Will Dempster have the same motivation, and be in the same shape he was this year, ever again?

I like Ryan. I think he tries hard, but now that three generations of Dempsters’ futures are now secured, I don’t see him in the Arizona mountains working his ass off to get in the kind of shape required to put up the numbers he did last year.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A very good question

I hope he stays on top of his game with the training. Hopefully he has too much pride to allow himself to get battered around simply because he’s now wealthy.

"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...

by Curtain Jerker on Nov 18, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Sure Hope So...

… and I hope he pushes others, like Harden, into better shape!

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think Hardens conditioning was a problem

not sure what youre getting at there

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Nov 18, 2008 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I actually think he will have the motivation

He will want to prove that he really is the #1 starter. He’s a competitor, just in a different way than, say, Z is. All those guys want to be considered “the best” regardless of how much money they’re making, even Barry lost-in-the-woods Zito.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 18, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He apparently didn't have that desire for the first decade of his career though...

For some reason, he worked his butt off for the first time last offseason. I certainly hope you’re right and he continues to work to maintain his 2008 success. But his career hasn’t suggested that motivation before.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Look, Demp put in the work, and changed his training regimen in the off season...

… because he was going to be competing for a spot in the rotation as a full-time starter for the first time since ’03. As you know, he was in the bullpen as a closer for ’04, ’05, & ’06. He knows what he needs to do now, in terms of training to maintain as a full-time starter.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the question is, will he continue to do it?

as he hasn’t shown that kind of work ethic in the past. Which (in many people’s minds) is why he struggled so much throughout his career.

I’m not saying he won’t keep it up moving forward. But I certainly wouldn’t assume just because he busted his butt and had a great year that he’ll continue to have great years moving forward.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ok

but why assume the worst?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 18, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Because I prefer to be pleasantly surprised...

rather than disappointed.

I don’t think I’m really assuming the worst. I can think of worse than Dempster being a 4.25-4.50 type of pitcher for that kind of money.

I just think it’s human nature to let up once you get the big money.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

it would be intuitive to take your foot off the pedal when you secure a huge deal like this, however, I also believe that he got a taste of what it is like to be a front line SP last year.

With this new deal in his pocket he will hopefully be relaxed and be focused on being a productive pitcher over the next few years.

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps He Will Want To Outperform...

… Jake Peavy.

;-)

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm down for that!

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And I disagree with you.

I think Dempster is the kind of person who will do what it takes to remain on top of his game.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 18, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe another Prediction

I sure Hope he predicts another World Series because I believe that had a lot to do with him having a Career year.

by NYCUB FAN on Nov 18, 2008 6:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with SouthernCub above

I suppose it’s possible that Demp will stay on this insane regimen and stay on the top of his game.

But he himself admitted that he worked harder than he ever had to put up those numbers. With $52m guaranteed, and considering he’s never worked that hard or pitched that well (by his own admission), I’m not sure how much motivation he will have from here on.

That said, if he can remain focused, I see him as a 16 win, 3.50era guy over the course of those four years, which is all one can expect in this market.

*Synth intro to "Jump"*

by SouthsideCub on Nov 19, 2008 8:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I'll gladly take 16 wins and a mid-3 ERA.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 19, 2008 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe another prediction

I sure hope he predicts another World Series because I believe that had a lot to do with him having a career year.

by NYCUB FAN on Nov 18, 2008 6:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think this is the type of player he is...

he made a bold and inaccurate prediction last Spring and likely felt foolish (especially when he pithced the way he did in game 1). I believe that he is going to be even more inclined to bust his ass to be right where he was last Spring when the season begins. Let’s hope he has the same success. I think if he doesn’t, it will not be because he got a big deal and chose to put less effort in.

My prediction: Dempster wins at least 15 games again next year.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 18, 2008 10:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A step in the right direction

I've been bleeding double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers

by parrotinct on Nov 18, 2008 3:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Nov 18, 2008 3:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good, fair deal for both sides.

Hopefully he earns it!

Glad to have him in Chicago for the next four years. He’s a very easy guy to like.

by kanderber on Nov 18, 2008 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If Kyle Lohse just signed for 4 year, $40

This is a good deal.

by IllinoisCubs on Nov 18, 2008 3:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dempster vs. Lohse

Is this such a good deal compared to Lohse’s?

Lohse: Career ERA 4.67, ERA+ 97
Dempster: Career ERA 4.55, ERA+ 95

by Jody Jody Davis on Nov 18, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dempster's

made adjustments and is not the same pitcher he was even two years ago.

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

a little backloaded

but not terribly.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 18, 2008 3:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

eh, it's pretty balanced...

first year = $12 million (assuming the signing bonus is paid up front)
second year = $12.5 million
third year = $13.5 million
fourth year = $14 million

So when you consider discounting over time, it’s almost a completely balanced contract.

by SouthernCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's assuming

the Cubs actually PAY the signing bonus….if they don’t, it would be a steal ;-)

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

why wouldn't

they pay it?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 18, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

blame it on the economy?

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 4:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe they need it

to bail out Mark Cuban.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 18, 2008 4:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was just having a little fun

…at Jimmys expense….from his exchanges with SouthernCub

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Call Al

You said he’d re-sign!

"The object of a ball game for the fan is not to be entertained. It is to win." - Max Lapides

by CaliCub on Nov 18, 2008 3:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately Al also said Wood would re-sign

I will hold a tiny bit of hope on that but not much.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Nov 18, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Question Is...

… what are Deep Goat’s predictions?

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Haven't heard from D.G. lately.

Will see what I can find out.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 18, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

With The Understanding...

… that what D.G. says is for that one instance in time.

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 4:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what this conversation needs

is Blue Mike to come in and deconstruct: sand pounding scatology always elevates the conversation.

/post-modern sarcasm.

by Emelie on Nov 18, 2008 4:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Spare us

by leothelip on Nov 18, 2008 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

HAHA!

I shied away from the earlier thread just because of those lovely exchanges.
How’ve you been?

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Nov 18, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

just dandy

thanks for asking :-)

by Emelie on Nov 18, 2008 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Believe you me...

…he’ll be here sooner and later. And he will NOT be happy.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 18, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not saying this is good or bad

but players seem to perform pretty well in their contract years. Gary Matthews Jr. anyone? I think that Dempster has a longer track record of being an average pitcher, then suddenly he is a very good pitcher in his contract year. Maybe he turned a corner? Maybe he played highly above his ability during his contract year? I guess we’ll find out.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 18, 2008 4:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

the player option actually makes me feel better

i know it sounds weird… because typically player options are only in the best interest of the player, but in this case if Dempster pitches really well our commitment to him is likely only 3 years, 38 millions (which isn’t bad at all) and it coincides with our window (likely 2-3 years)

if only it could come off in 2010 when seemingly everyone else’s contract will be up, coming off in 2010:

Derrek Lee $12 Million
Aramis Ramirez $15.75 million (player option which he’ll obviously opt out of… i hate Hendry for giving Rami player options…)
Ted Lilly $12 Million

now in 2011 these will come up:

Dempster $13.5 Million (if he pitches well enough to want to test FA again, we all hope for this)
Fukudome $13.5 Million

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 18, 2008 4:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That means winning in 2009 becomes even more urgent.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 18, 2008 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No, it is a 4 year, $52 M deal

It is a player option in the 4th year. Why not accept the $14M?

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If He Gets...

… a longer term deal that eclipses the money left on the table, or if he really needs to get out of town.

Does anyone have news on any NTC?

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dempster has been with the Cubs for 5 years

but I’m not sure if he’s at the 10 years of MLB service time. If he’s not there already, he’ll be there very soon. When he does, he’ll have 10 & 5 rights which means he cannot be traded without his permission.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 18, 2008 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dempster was a rookie in 1998.

He now has 10 and 5 rights.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 19, 2008 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dempster didn't pitch until the second half of 2004

Does that change anything? I’m not sure if he was on the major-league roster for the entire season …

by elgato on Nov 19, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He wasn't.

He was on the DL (probably the major league DL, which may have given him service time) for a while, then made ten minor league appearances before coming to the major leagues in August 2004.

Cot’s Baseball Contracts lists his service time as 9.063 — nine years, 63 days. A full baseball year (IIRC) is 180 days. That means that late in the 2009 season, Dempster gets 10-and-5 rights.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 19, 2008 12:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that Demp is 10-5 now...

Cot’s hasn’t updated their numbers to include 2008 yet. (They have Dome at 0.000.) Demp is actually at 10.063 now, and he has five seasons with the Cubs.

BTW, the CBA defines a full year as 172 days (for the purposes of calculating service years for FA), but defines a season as 178 days (for the purposes of giving players a chance to add days of service.) A player cannot accumulate more than 172 days of service time in any one season.

Since that is so confusing…
1. DeRo would get credit for 172 days (= 1 year) in 2008. (The other 6 days are “lost”.)
2. Pie would get credit for each day he is up; those days can be any of the 178 possible days of regular season play. (Not sure how they define the season for players who open in Japan.)
3. The next day in the major leagues after your x.171 day is your (x+1).000 day.
4. Any time on the major league DL is credit as ML service time, as is any time spent in the minor leagues on a major league rehab assignment. (Rich Hill was “promoted” to the ML DL on Aug. 31 to create more playoff roster flexibility. He received ML salary and 31 service days for that.)

Hope that is relatively clear.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 19, 2008 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

I thought Cot’s was updated because they had Dempster’s new deal already listed. But maybe they hadn’t updated the ML service time.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 19, 2008 10:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think they do it all at once, but I'm not exactly sure when.

Dome’s 0.000 is the dead give-away that they haven’t done it yet.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 19, 2008 11:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

because if he's pitching well

why wouldn’t he opt out for a longer-term contract again

player options are terrible things for GM’s to hand out because the player will always opt out for FA if they’re playing well and will always decline the option and take the cash if they’re injured or washed up

in this specific case because i want less longer-term commitments on the roster, i actually think the player option could be beneficial

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 18, 2008 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep,

Thats baseball, players contracts eventually expire. Lets hope our scouts have their eyes on some young talent to replace these fine players int he future.

by PieFan08 on Nov 18, 2008 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Which May Be In Part Of Why...

… the Cubs are seriously considering Peavy? When the big dollars kick in 2011, Lilly’s contract falls off…

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Now THAT ...

is very interesting.

by elgato on Nov 18, 2008 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is great

Just listened to some of his conference call, listening to the things he had to say made me respect him more.. hes a class act and is good to have on this team.

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."

by All The Way on Nov 18, 2008 4:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

who?

The mouse in your pocket?

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the stoat

on his collar

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 18, 2008 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's a link...

…to Demp’s conference call. I’ll post this as a Fanshot, too.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 18, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Buffering...

… was the Hendry call good, too?

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 5:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure.

I haven’t listened to that one.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 18, 2008 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I forgot...

…he got WAIVED by the Reds in 2003?

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 4:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So?

What’s your point?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 18, 2008 4:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just forgot, that's all

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 5:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, he got waived by the Reds after the '03 season...

Mainly because they didn’t have use for him, and they didn’t think he would come back from TJ surgery.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs Show Interest In Teahen...

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 5:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Link

http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/897263.html

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

That’s well-written. Good for the KS Star.
So, how good is he? Never seen him play.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Nov 18, 2008 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Teahen

Link

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Similar Numbers To...

Hermida. Not as good as Abreu. His dollars are likely in the middle of those two (maybe $4M?). Hermida is likely under $1M, Abreu likely commands $12.5 – $15M.

In Hendry We Trust

by initram on Nov 18, 2008 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good lord

Teahen is terrible…. please no

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 18, 2008 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I seem to recall...

…hearing good things about him. But looking at his numbers…blech.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 18, 2008 5:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. I'd rather have Gathright, put him at the top of the line-up...

… tell him to either take pitches or bunt, just get on base, and use his extraordinary speed.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LHB who is better vs. LHP than RHP

.252 vs righties….ugh

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But is he an improvement over Felix Pie?

That would be my question for you, and thanks in advance for your answer.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Nov 18, 2008 5:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At least he can hit major league pitching...

He did manage to hit .307 in 2007.

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 5:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He did?

I’m seeing a BA of .285 in ’07.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 18, 2008 5:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Check this...

Link

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 18, 2008 5:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I see...sorry.

I was still looking at Teahen.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 18, 2008 5:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One word

Yes. (again my post above was just his 08 line)…see below.

Ok, more like 17 words…

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 5:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

I just looked at his 2008 line (don’t watch much AL)

For his career he is .276 vs RHP and .249 vs LHP.

Link

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

amen

he hits with about as much authority as Dave Magadan. NO THANKS!

by socalbob on Nov 18, 2008 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you owe Dave Magadan

an apology

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 18, 2008 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

let me re-phrase

he hits like he’s swinging a soaking wet Trib.

by socalbob on Nov 18, 2008 5:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

…League.

Average.

Hitter.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Nov 18, 2008 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In looking at his stats

I’d agree.

I have never seen him in RF, so I can’t comment on his glove?

by DMCub on Nov 18, 2008 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He definitely has a RF arm.

This guy has him rated as a plus COF.

I’m not sure how good his rating system is; Colin would have to chime in with the info.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 18, 2008 7:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Question

How does a signing bonus factor in to a team’s payroll?

by kanderber on Nov 18, 2008 6:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Paid out in the first fiscal year of the contract signing.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But does it count towards total team payroll?

I’m assuming not, otherwise what’s the point of calling it a bonus?

by kanderber on Nov 18, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, part of the payroll.

It can be worked out where he will receive a lump sum at signing, or within a short period of time – say by the end of the fiscal year.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 8:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am assuming there is some sort of Tax Implication here...

but I could be wrong.

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Nov 18, 2008 9:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Evidently

There could be some benefit to Dempster in paying out the bonus before the new year…

I don’t know anything about taxes Linky

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Nov 18, 2008 9:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yea - I read that same article...

…the day it came out on capital gains tax.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 18, 2008 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A couple of thoughts

1. I’m glad this got done early because Hendry can concentrate on other things.

2. Jake Peavy would have been nice but he did miss time last year do to injury and he makes about the same money and the Cubs don’t have to give up players in this deal that could be used for other trades.

It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.

That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 19, 2008 6:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well, ok. I suppose.

I’m on record saying that giving Dempster 4 years is going to be very bad in the final year, and possibly the final 2 years.

I guess that Dempster at $13M is a lot better than Marquis at $7M.

This offseason has still felt like a punch to the gut. Seeing Kerry Wood shoved out the door, presumably as the direct result of Hendry’s rather indiscriminate spending on mediocrities like Marquis and straight-up busts like Fukudome, is probably the saddest off-field moment I’ve seen in 25 years of following the Cubs. It’s right up there with the Maddux drama…. but this one feels worse because the player truly wants to stay, and is only being pushed out b/c of the team’s incompetence.

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Nov 20, 2008 10:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Lou will be on

Chicago Tribune Live tomorrow night. Kaplan says he has some good questions he wants to ask Lou. It starts at 5:30 pm.

by sue369 on Nov 20, 2008 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They'll be softballs

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 21, 2008 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Naw, they'll be PHENONEMONAL.

Just PHENONMENAL questions from one the GOOD GUYS in the biz.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 21, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's EXACTLY right

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 21, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 21, 2008 6:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn - just turned it on and talking Bears

Sue – did you watch?

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 21, 2008 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes I did.

Lou talked about stretching Shark out and him trying for a spot in the rotation next spring. He said it will be crowded but he loves the strength Shark has.

He also said Fox wanted the Cubs in the WS so bad. He said Fox took him out for dinner a lot talking about a Cubs WS.

by sue369 on Nov 21, 2008 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This appears to be the transcript of the discussion...

HERE

Get a load of his comments on Soriano batting leadoff. Probably deserving of its own thread.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 22, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's from his appearance

at a school that day. That night he was on CTL. That’s where he talked about Shark and also about Dome too.

by sue369 on Nov 22, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

honestly i think everyone is making too big of a deal about this whole Dempster thing. he pitched great for us, especially at the beginning of the season. but it seemed like towards the end of the season other teams kind of started to figure him out. i dont know, i could just kind of see this whole thing not really working out, like some fluke injury or an 8 win season for Dempster

by klutch mode (on) off on Nov 21, 2008 2:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs