Here's Something Crazy: Ryan Dempster For MVP

by jaredprebish on Aug 24, 2008 5:09 AM CDT

I know, I know. Individual awards mean nothing in a team sport, but I was thinking crazy thoughts last night. I know it's been debated that starting pitchers should not warrant MVP consideration because they are not every day players. I think there is the rare occurence that a very special year (Ron Guidry in '78; Denny McLain in '68; Roger Steroid in '86) merits strong consideration. Granted, Dempster's 15-5 pales in comparison to Brandon Webb's 19-4, but in the spirit of the award, I think Dempster has done more for his team. He changed roles and certainly has been one of the best players on one of the best teams. Where would the Cubs be without Dempster?

Sure, Dempster will merit consideration in the Cy Young. But how about some MVP support??

Crazy?? I'm almost middle aged..and crazy!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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agree

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 24, 2008 6:44 AM CDT 0 recs

I like Dempster.

He’s produced far beyond what I think any of us could have hoped for.

But pitchers almost never get MVP consideration unless they have overwhelming numbers. Dempster’s numbers are very good, but not overwhelming.

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

by Al on Aug 24, 2008 7:04 AM CDT 0 recs

Agreed...

It’s even more clear when you compare Dempster’s numbers to Webb, who has a better ERA and better record on a less productive team offensively. For a pitcher to win the MVP, he has to absolutely be the Cy Young as well. And there’s almost no way at this point that Dempster wins the Cy Young over Webb (in no small part due to the fact that voters are swayed by win totals, but also because Webb has actually been a bit better this year and especially down the stretch). In reality, Dempster should be at best third in the Cy Young voting right now (behind, at least, Webb and Lincecum, and maybe even Volquez). He’s not a realistic option in the MVP race.

That’s not in any way meant to disparage what Dempster has done. It’s just a reality of the situation. Dempster merits consideration for the nebulous honor of Team MVP, but the third-best starter in the NL doesn’t really merit consideration for the MVP award.

by SouthernCub on Aug 24, 2008 7:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

Let's just face it

The Cubs don’t have a realistic MVP or Cy Young candidate. I do, however, see a couple of Gold Gloves and a ROY.

by daeviant on Aug 24, 2008 8:23 AM CDT 0 recs

+1

Dempster’s good, but I don’t think he’s MVP worthy. Could he sneak into the Cy race? Yes, although Brandon Webb would have to really falter. I get worried thinking about facing Webb/Haren in the first round. I’d much rather face Johan and Co.

by toonsterwu on Aug 24, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up 0 recs

You just put your finger

on the really amazing thing about this team. There is no real superstar – but pretty much every position has someone (or two someones) who is a first-rate major league player. It’s a remarkable thing that I can’t recall ever seeing quite this way before.

"Eighty-five percent of the world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here." - Lee Elia, 1983

"The only thing that bothers me is that I would never want to destroy the love and what the fans of Chicago are to the Chicago Cubs. I mean, God knows. If there's one pure thing in baseball, it is the fans of Chicago." - Lee Elia, 2008

by CaughtInTheVines on Aug 24, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, I agree as well.

I would like to see Geo get the ROY, though.

Yes, sir!

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 25, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up 0 recs

webb/haren?

to face Johan and Maine would mean we would have to get the WC. While yes, I do not like the idea of ever going to Chase Field, I don’t think we should be afraid of any team. We are the best team in the NL, and I don’t think any team wants to face Z, Demp and Harden in a short series.

Game 1- Z
Game 2- Demp
travel day
Game 3- Harden
Game 4- Z
Game 5 – Demp

they wouldn’t even have to see our number 4 pitcher in a short series. Lilly doesn’t need to pitch because of the travel day, Z can pitch games 1 and 4 and be pitching on regular rest. This isn’t the Cubs of last year. We have 3 pitchers on our rotation who are outstanding. No need to take out Z to save him, because demp and harden are both capable of getting things done. The reason why I say have Harden go game 3 is because he might need bullpen help as he rarely can make it past the 6th inning. If we win the WC and have to face the mets, I’d say throw Lilly in their because the Mets have a hard time against lefties.

by scarymonsters85 on Aug 24, 2008 10:41 AM CDT 0 recs

one small thing id like...

switch z and demp

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Aug 24, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up 0 recs

not if you want Dempster pitching at home.

In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.

by Tackle Box on Aug 24, 2008 11:41 AM CDT up 0 recs

If the Diamondbacks finish

with a better record than the Mets, and the Brewers/Cards get the WC, then we would face the Mets in the first round.

by toonsterwu on Aug 24, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up 0 recs

why leave Lilly out of it?

Lilly had a rough start to the season, but since then has been pretty damn good. pitch Lilly in game 3 and if everything goes well, Harden takes the mound to start the next series, or just let Harden pitch game 4 and you could plug him in in games 3 and 7 of the next series.

by Petrie000 on Aug 25, 2008 2:52 AM CDT up 0 recs

For the Cubs I would probably vote for Aramis but I would also consider Scrappy Doo at SS, too--that's for the Cubs.

I don’t see a single player who I’d put in the top 5 for league MVP and no one in top 3 for Cy Young either.

by DudeVf11 on Aug 24, 2008 5:46 PM CDT 0 recs

Ramirez might get some votes if he has a big September.

But you’re right, I doubt any Cub will finish in the top 5 in voting otherwise.

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

by Al on Aug 24, 2008 6:58 PM CDT up 0 recs

A lot comes down to September...

If Dempster has a good, 4 win September, he could wind up in the top 3 of the Cy Young.

As for MVP, what if Soto fits .380+ again, like he did last September? Or what if Aramis Ramirez keeps heating up and has a HUGE September? They could BOTH earn top 5 mention.

One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola

by Ryan at Cubshub on Aug 24, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, within the Cubs themselves...

…I’d say either Aramis or Geo is the MVP. As great as the starting staff has been, it’s hard to name just one starter MVP.

Yes, sir!

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 25, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

If they had an award . . .

for performance vs. expectations, yes, I’d say he’s the mvp of that award.

by Gunga La Gunga on Aug 24, 2008 8:24 PM CDT 0 recs

I think...

he is more than worthy of Cy Young consideration, but MVP? thats going out on a limb

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by cubs199235 on Aug 24, 2008 8:51 PM CDT 0 recs

SP's should never win the MVP award

they’ve got their own award, which is actually probably more prestigious anyways. the MVP should go to a position player because they play almost every game. though i must admit i’m one of those people who thinks the entire award is a bit pointless anyway and that should just make it the ‘best player in baseball’ award, or whoever you want to name it after.

by Petrie000 on Aug 25, 2008 2:56 AM CDT 0 recs