Dempster Is No Dumpster

Maybe the Cubs have found a key to another successful season. No, they are not planning to start Mike Fontenot but there has been talk of using Ryan Dempster as a starting pitcher. Dempster was the Cubs' main closer these past three seasons and while he didn't do a bad job at the position, he let some games slip away. Would this switch in the pitching department actually help the Cubs? The plan is to move Kerry Wood to the closing position while moving Dempster to a starting position. I don't really see any harm in at least trying this switch.

"We've talked to Dempster about starting," Hendry said Tuesday at the general managers meeting. "Lou [Piniella] talked to him at the end of the year about it. I think Dempster prefers to be a starter. We're talking about a guy who won 15 games as a starter and went to an All-Star Game in that role. We think he will be able to contribute to our rotation."

I think many fans would have better faith in the Cubs bull pen if Dempster was taken out of it. Just take a look at what Cubs' fan, Rob has to say. Personally, I have nothing against Dempster, but fellow bull pen mates Howry and Marmol usually pitch more effectively and in my opinion, could be trusted more with closing duties. And with Wood being added to the pen, this could only mean good things. Last season, Wood allowed .207 average against him. Compare this with Dempster's 4.73 earned-run average in 66 games. If numbers show anything, Wood would be a better closer and help the Cubs hold on to close victories. This move might be one of the smartest things that the team could do at this point.


Hopefully Wood doesn't decide to let go of the Cubs and become a free-agent instead of re-signing. He is obviously an important aspect to the team's pitching and if he left, the Cubs would be forced to find another bull pen arm. Wood has the numbers and the experience which means that Chicago should try very hard to keep him on board for next season. Could this switch between Dempster and Wood be the key to next seasons' success and ultimate victory over every other team in the nation? In my mind I refuse to think otherwise but in reality, it could be a total disaster. But I trust Lou Piniella with the Cubs and am willing to see how this plays out.