Dempster..whoops...

[IE]

Ryan Dempster said after Sunday's game that he would be joining the rotation, then met with manager Lou Piniella and told the media 30 minutes later that he'd be remaining in the bullpen.



So, we're not the only ones who can't figure out what is going on in Chicago. It looks like Dempster will continue to close for now, but this idea of putting him in the rotation is a legitimate threat.

 

[chewie72]

RYAN DUMPSTER

RYAN DUMPSTER

ANYWHERE HE PITCHES RIGHT NOW THE CUBBIES WILL BE IN TROUBLE!!!:scared :scared

 

[IntenseOperator]

They had one of the beat reporters on the radio here. He said Lou had the press conference and said Dempster was to become a starter again. I guess Dempster even said he was excited about the opportunity. The media all thought it was a done deal. Then Lou and Demspter had a half hour long meeting. He came out of that meeting still the closer.:shrug:

It's possible they don't think they have any better shot at closing games with Guzman or Marmol??

I heard Lou also go into a speech the other day on how much the team felt that Guzman would be great coming out of the back end of the pen. He explained it would be better for Guzman because his legs always cramp up around the 4th inning and the shorter appearances out of the pen would be good for him.

I'm not sure Lou knew what he was getting himself into when he signed on the dotted line. Not to be a homer, but if the lame-asses in the WSox bullpen didn't gift wrap the 1st two wins of the crosstown series for the Cubs, the Cubs may have lost all three coming off losing 3 of 4 to the Mets including blowing a 5 run ninth inning lead. Today's Cubs team climate would be much more dark. Beating the WSox 2 out of 3 heals a few wounds but they are still in a bit of trouble IMO.

 

[IntenseOperator]

Dempster named team mascot

Pitcher to wear fuzzy cub bear uniform during games
Wednesday, May 23, 2007

There was speculation all weekend long about what the Cubs would do with pitcher Ryan Dempster. Insiders wondered if he'd remain closer or be inserted into the starting rotation, where he had pitched earlier in his career. Manager Lou Piniella finally made a decision about his embattled right-hander.



"In the best interest of Ryan and the Cubs organization, we have decided to make him the team mascot effective immediately," said Piniella. "His pitching days are officially over."


Dempster, who is known as the team prankster and all-around funny guy, will now dress in a fuzzy bear cub outfit--reminiscent of the Phoenix Suns Gorilla--and dance on the dugout and slingshot T-shirts to awaiting fans throughout the game. He whole-heartedly agreed with his manager's decision.


"This is really a dream job for me. I'll be like the Philly Phanatic of the Cubs," said Dempster. "Scotty Eyre so wanted this gig, but there was no way that dude was going to fit into the mascot costume."