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Dempster

Perhaps it's only the hollow afterglow from last night's win prompting this post (hollow due to the Soriano injury, obviously), but everyone by now has noticed that our once highly criticized Ryan Dempster is pitching like a major league #1. The Cubs might well have two (that's 2!) starting pitchers on the NL All-Star team. Way to go, Ryan! This prompts my question: does this team really need to plow over the farm for another starter? I get as excited as the next guy envisioning C.C. Sabathia in a Cub uniform, even for a short time, but maybe, just maybe, he's not needed. Z, Dempster, and an improving Lilly might be all that's needed should the Cubs make the post season. I might roll the dice for a left-handed bat, but. . . Your comments?

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 agree with you.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 12, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply actions  

I agree, but...

I worry that Lilly seems to struggle in every second or third start, and that Dempster won’t be able to sustain this all year long. Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving what he’s done so far, and I hope it continues, but I’m concerned that Demp fades down the stretch. Then what? Wouldn’t it be nice to have Z, Demp (pitching like this), Lilly (on top of his game), and another big arm like CC?

In my lifetime we’ve never had a team this solid, why not get another arm to push us over the top?

This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by HectorVillanueva on Jun 12, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply actions  

Dempster really has performed excellent to this point and there is not any reason to suggest that he will slow down. His BAA is under.200 and one of the best in the league. His real challenge will be keeping good control, which he did yesterday with no walks in his complete game.

by cubs on Jun 12, 2008 8:55 AM CDT reply actions  

Yeah, but...

How confident are you going into a Series with Z, Dempster, Lilly against Beckett, Dice-K, and Colon?

I agree that we don’t plow under the farm. ESPECIALLY if it isn’t a sign and trade and all we get is CC for 2 months. I think that the wiser course is to set up your team to get there multiple years. After all, anything can happen in October.

by Archie on Jun 12, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply actions  

Colon's not what he used to be.

And Dice-K is hurt right now.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 12, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Plus

it seems so far this season Beckett is looking like the Beckett of 2006, and not of last year when he won 20 games

I think my favorite uncle was Uncle Caveman. We called him that because he lived in a cave and would eat one of us. We then realized he was a bear.

by deepthoughtsbyjackhandey on Jun 12, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

odd years

For some strange reason Beckett is only great in odd numbered years. Next year he will probably win 20.

by nks6911 on Jun 12, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

If the season ended today

Dempster would be a legitimate Cy Young candidate. I love him, hope he keeps it up, but I dont mess around I get the best pitcher available if he helps us.

Check this out, if the season ended today--where would Dempster rank in the Cy Young-you be the judge—I did a comparison, hes clearly not winning it but hed get some votes

http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=mlb&section2=null&statSet2=null&sortByStat=W&statType=2&timeFrame=1&timeSubFrame=2008&baseballScope=NL&prevPage2=1&readBoxes=true&sitSplit=&venueID=&subScope=teamCode&teamPosCode=all&box1=XXXX425630ariX&box3=XXXX450172cinX&box4=XXXX133225chnX&box5=XXXX453311sfnX&box7=XXXX407296chnX&compare.x=26&compare.y=8

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jun 12, 2008 9:31 AM CDT reply actions  

If Dempster keeps this up and Zambrano keeps this up (outside of his bad start on Saturday) we could have 1 and 2 in the Cy Young voting. Having one wouldn’t be a surprise but before the season started if we had been told the other one would be Dempster we would have sent anyone saying that to the loony bin.

I’m Dempster’s biggest fan and I’m even shocked.

We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by puckishcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 10:04 AM CDT reply actions  

They've got work to do...

Right now, Volquez (1.56 ERA, 9-2, 96 K), Lincecum (1.99 ERA, 8-1, 92 K), and Webb (2.73 ERA, 11-2, 79 K) are in front of Dempster and Zambrano. I suspect that Santana (3.08 ERA, 7-4, 76 K and has generally been a slow starter) will be in the mix, too.

But yeah, if Dempster and Zambrano can keep it up and Volquez and Lincecum fall off their pace, then our guys will definitely be in the discussion.

by SouthernCub on Jun 12, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

I would love to have Rich Hill back

Remember his amazing start last year? He needs to find his “switch” again.

Man, he has good stuff but just can’t keep his head on.

by Arbusto on Jun 12, 2008 10:19 AM CDT reply actions  

I somwhat agree

I still think youneed someone who’s more consistant that Marquis at the back of the rotation.

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

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jun 12, 2008 10:21 AM CDT reply actions  

Am I the only one

that remembers Lilly’s playoff “performance” last year. Adding a solid #1 or #2 pitcher isn’t a bad idea if it’s not too costly. Therein lies the rub. What is too costly?

"I'm not giving him a high-five ever again." - Sammy Sosa, joking about Moises Alou's personal habits

by MorePiePlease on Jun 12, 2008 10:54 AM CDT reply actions  

A trade would be good

Assuming we get a top tier pitcher, I think a trade would be important to the Cubs.
I do not trust Lily this year, he might be “Back” but he gave up a 3 run HR to gregg stinking Norton. NORTON! he still has issues of control and arm speed.

Finally, it is a long season, Dempster hasn’t thrown 200 innings since? 2000 and 2001 with Florida. What is his arm going to look like in September and October. I’d much rather bet on C.C. Sabathia’s arm than Lily’s or Dempster (as much as I like and root for both guys.)

by patron on Jun 12, 2008 12:41 PM CDT reply actions  

Rain on the parade

good response since I’m in Iowa where the whole state is flooded. Anyhow, how will Dempster pitch in the last 2 months after not starting? I hope he can pitch like this all year but that is an unknown. I would rather get the pitcher if we can.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Jun 12, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions  

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