Carlos Zambrano touts the big contract, Rich Harden throws the nasty stuff. Ted Lilly relies on savvy and shear will. But for today, Monday, August 11th, 2008, Ryan Dempster is the ace of the Chicago Cubs pitching staff.
No offense to the other three Cub candidates. But that’s exactly what Dempster has been allowing opposing teams this season - no offense.
Last night I joined the “We Love Dempster” club - membership pending. Watching the right-hander handcuff an explosive St. Louis lineup became my moment of truth.
I am a now a member of the officially enlightened.
That wasn’t always the case. Back in February 2007, I blogged a post titled, Dempster Diving, stating my case why Dempster wasn’t fit to be the Chicago Cubs closer.
Maybe it was the 1-9 record and nine blown saves in 2006 that prompted my cynicism. Maybe it was general manager Jim Hendry’s failure to secure someone in the off-season for that slot.
In either case time has proved I was right. Dempster was the wrong man for the wrong job. It’s evident now he was always meant to be a member of the Chicago Cubs baseball starting staff.
At least for 2008.
Dempster may be the Cubs clubhouse cut up, but on the mound he’s quietly compiling a case for Cy Young consideration. With yesterday’s 6-2 win, Dempster upped his season record to 13-5 with an ERA under 3.00.
On a team loaded with starting pitching, he leads the Cubs staff in wins (13), ERA (2.92), complete games (one) and strikeouts (139). He’s second only to Harden in fewest home runs allowed with Harden having pitched half the season with Oakland.
Not bad for a guy who had Tommy John surgery in 2003. While he’s a few seasons removed from Comeback Player of the Year candidacy, Dempster may find himself with an unanticipated piece of hardware if he continues at his current pace.
Who would have guessed when 2008 began. Staff ace of the Chicago Cubs and a Canadian.
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