Is Ryan Dempster primed for a bounceback season for the Cubs?
Cubs 34 year old starter Ryan Dempster had a challenging 2011 season. On the bright side he made 34 starts and topped 200 innings pitched for the third straight season. Unfortunately, he allowed 211 hits and finished the season with a 10-14 record and 4.80 ERA. Dempster’s 2011 strikeout rate (8.5 per 9 innings) and walk rate (3.6 per 9 innings) remained consistent with his performance from 2008 through 2010 so it’s possible that he was a victim of bad luck last season. He also allowed a career high 9.4 hits per 9 innings in 2011, which could be partly attributed to the Cubs lackluster defense.
Dempster has pitched at least 200 innings and struck out at least 172 batters in each of the past four seasons. He is signed for the 2012 season for $14 million. He will be eligible for free agency after the season and will likely be a candidate to be traded prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
If the Cubs can improve their defense in the upcoming season Dempster could be primed for a bounceback year. With the trade of Carlos Zambrano and the rumors swirling around Matt Garza it is possible that Dempster could take the mound for the Cubs on opening day. At this point Dempster’s greatest value to the Cubs is a trade chip to acquire additional young talent.
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