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Cobra Brigade The Blogs By Fans Network


Feb
21
2008

Ryan Dempster is Motivated, but Can He Do the Job?
dempster.111111.jpgThe Cubs would like another starter who is more reliable than Jason Marquis to slide in between Ted Lilly and Rich Hill in the rotation and Ryan Dempster would like to be that guy. Can he do it? Time will tell but you can't say the guy isn't putting in the work to get the job

Manager Lou Piniella ran into Ryan Dempster at a shopping mall as the Chicago Cubs pitcher was getting ready to go for a run -- up one of the biggest mountain ranges in the Phoenix area.

"I told him I was going to go with him, but I was going to drive the Suburban," Piniella said. "He's taking this seriously, believe me."
Ryan Dempster was probably the impetus to more heart attacks for Cubs fans by any player since Mitch Williams. His ninth inning theatrics, played up by his inability to throw strikes at times, caused many a Cub fan to watch the final three outs with their hands covering their face. Still, Dempster walks away from the closer's job as one of the most successful relievers in Cubs history. Let's go ahead and take a closer look at Dempster and what his chances are this season to be successful.

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dempster.461.jpgDempster originally came up with the Marlins as a starting pitcher and even made the NL All-Star Team in 2000 while on his way to a 14-10 record. He followed that in 2001 by winning 15 games and looked to be on his way to becoming one of the better pitchers in the National League. In 2002 he was traded to the Reds and soon found himself having Tommy John Surgery. After struggling for a few seasons he was signed by the Cubs in 2004 and worked his way back to the majors by making 23 appearances as a reliever. Dempster and the Cubs had thoughts of him being a starter in 2005, but that plan was pulled after six starts with varying results, to put it nicely. Dempster was pushed to the bullpen where he eventually became one of the best closers in the National League based on stats.

Now Dempster is trying to get back to the starting rotation and is relying on his work ethic to help him get there. Since coming to the Cubs, Dempster has become known for the strenuous running program that has put him in the best physical condition of his career. Still, after three seasons in the bullpen can Dempster move back to the rotation like he wants to?

The short answer is yes. The problem isn't going to be with Dempster's arm or his will. He's been pitching on consecutive days for a couple of years now and he's willing to put in the work to get his arm in shape, so that's not going to be a problem. If the Cubs trot him out to the mound for thirty starts this season he's bound to rack up 200 innings. So, what's the problem? Can he be successful?

If he can keep from walking people he can be. Therein lies the problem. Dempster walks hitters. A lot of them. Over 4.60 per 9 innings for his career. Think you were nervous when he was walking the lead-off hitter in the ninth inning? Imagine him doing this in the first, fourth and fifth innings of his starts. This is a major problem as he's continually putting out fires that he started. Dempster has good 'stuff' and strikes out hitters at a decent rate, but he can't put people on base for free. It causes too much stress on the team and the pitcher.

I haven't been able to find any cases of pitchers who found more control as they moved along in their career, especially once past the age of 30. If Dempster can throw strikes, he stays in the rotation. If he can't throw strikes, it's back to the bullpen.  
2 Comments
jason said

i read yesterday that dempster is #4 on the cubs alltime saves list(and #2 in save percentage). can you imagine if he had worked this hard in the past few off seasons? he could have been one of the best closers in the game

February 21, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply
Jack Cobra said

Actually, he has worked really hard the past few off-seasons and that's why....percentage wise, he was one of the best closers in the NL. He had some really memorable, horrendous outings that stick out in the mind of Cubs fans, but like you said, he's #2 all time in save %. There is something to be said there. Especially when the Cubs had struggled for so long to find a closer. Remember Mel Rojas?

He was a little pudgy when he came into the league, but since he's been with the Cubs he's been in good shape. You have to give the guy credit in that respect.

February 21, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply

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