Countdown to the Trade Deadline (2 Days Left)

After taking a look at the Cubs' 40-man roster, I have decided to target Ryan Dempster as the subject of Today's post. Last year, it appeared that Dempster was ready and willing to take over the closer role, but watching him this year has left a lot to be desired. In fact, a few nights ago it got the the point where Dempster found himself in a jam with the bases loaded, and Dusty Baker brought in Bobby Howry, with two outs in the ninth, to clean up the mess. Nevertheless, Dempster could still be a valuable pickup for teams, such as Boston or even the White Sox, who are looking to strengthen their bullpen and as I wrote in a previous post, I believe that Kerry Wood is the Cub's closer of the future.

Here's something to consider: Why shouldn't the Cubs get involved in the Alfonso Soriano sweepstakes? Hendry should try a package of Dempster, Felix Pie, Matt Murton and Carlos Marmol for Soriano, Livan Hernandez, and Tony Armas. I believe that Dempster, if used properly, could be one of the best setup men in the entire league. His presence in Washington would create a bridge to closer Chad Cordero that the Nationals have never had before. They would also fill the void in LF, somewhat, by the addition of Matt Murton. At the very least, it would soften the blow of losing a superstar as well as creating one of the more young and promising outfield duos in the league, with Murton and newly-acquired Austin Kearns. The Nationals would also pick up their future center fielder in Felix Pie, as well as Marmol, who despite his occasional lack of control, has electric stuff. From the Cubs' perspective, they would add a proven superstar, who could play either LF or 2B as well as Hernandez and Armas, who would both solidify a shaky rotation. However, if it were me, I would be hesitant to take on Hernandez's contract because it appears as if his velocity as decreased significantly from all the innings he has been forced to pitch over the years. In order to complete the deal, however, I'm assuming that Washington would demand that the Cubs take him off their hands. Let's put it this way, if I had a chance to get Soriano, I would do whatever it takes. And anyway, Hernandez is a gamer who knows how to win, so it wouldn't be a total waste to add him to the roster. As for Armas, the Nationals have been actively trying to trade him in the last couple of weeks because they know his potential and realize that he is in line for a big pay day in the future.

Why it will happen: First of all, let's just get this out there: the Nationals do not have the money to resign Soriano, at least not at the price that he is demanding. If they did, he would have already signed an extension because Soriano has made it very clear that he loves the city of Washington, gets along great with his teammates, and wants to stay. That said, I don't think any other team out there could offer the Nationals a better combination of major league talent and minor league potential, than the one the Cubs could put together. I keep hearing names, such as Detroit's stud SP prospect, Humberto Sanchez, being tossed around in trade proposals, but does GM Jim Bowden really want to give up a player of Soriano's caliber for a minor leaguer? Especially Sanchez, who, although it has been kept relatively quiet, has a problem with chronic inflammation in his throwing elbow. It would be a public relations nightmare if Bowden traded for a "cant-miss" prospect, who could potentially be the next-coming of Mark Prior. I don't see him being able to pull the trigger on a deal such as the one which the Tigers have proposed. Could you imagine the Nationals having nothing to show for dealing Soriano? It ain't happening, plain and simple. The Cubs however, could offer good players with major league experience (Dempster and Murton) as well as minor leagues with potential such as Pie and Marmol, who, has showed that he can perform well at the highest level (despite the fact that he has played in the major leagues, it has been for such a short period of time, that I still consider him a prospect).

Why it won't happen: I still think that Soriano will be gone before, or right at, the deadline. I believe a team such as the Tigers or Twins who say to themselves that they are one player away from winning it all, will go all out and include who ever they have to in order to get the deal done. If this happens, there is no way that the Cubs can compete with the packages that contending teams could put together and offer to Washington. A more realistic way for the Cubs to be able to acquire Soriano would be to hope that whatever team he is traded to cannot work out an extension on his contract, allowing Soriano to become a free agent when the season is done. If this happens, I would hope that Hendry would jump at the opportunity and throw major money his way in the offseason.

Prediction: I haven't heard any rumors at all which involve Dempster and I would be very surprised if his name suddenly pops up, unless the Cubs initiate the discussions. I think that Dempster would be a great setup man for Kerry Wood, who in two years, would be properly trained to take over full-time closer duties. So my prediction is that Dempster is staying put. However, it can't hurt to look at the list of contenders and see who might need some help in the pen...

Boston could be a possibility, with the Cubs receiving Willy Mo Pena in return. Boston has been shopping Pena, who the Cubs tried to acquire when he was playing for Cincinnati. The Red Sox have had a susceptible bullpen for years and Dempster could provide some desperately needed help in the 8th inning, getting the ball to young closer Jonathan Papelbon.

What about a swap of Dempster for Freddy Garcia of the White Sox? Adding Dempster would give the Sox two options, along with Mike MacDougal, in front of Bobby Jenks and Garcia, who looks like he needs a change of scenery, could fill out the bottom half of the Cubs' rotation.

The Cardinals are another option. Dempster would go to St. Louis is return for super-utility man, Hector Luna, who would fit perfectly in the Cubs lineup as the number two-hitter. Luna would add great defense and blazing speed to the top of the order, while Dempster could be used as a backup plan for the unreliable Braden Looper.

I just finished dinner, I'm full, and it's a hot day outside, so I am going to take a nap. Hopefully, when I wake up, I will have some comments to read. Do you guys think Dempster is going anywhere? Let me know...

Update: Cubs 4, Cardinals 1...Dempster comes in. Pujols singles, Rolen walks, Duncan singles in a run. Cubs 4, Cardinals 2. Edmonds then walks to load the bases. Luckily, Desmpster gets out of this one with a strikeout of Aaron Miles. You just never know what you're getting this year when this guy comes in the game. I guess all's well that ends well, but you have to wonder how much longer the Cubs will use Dempster if he keeps creating these situations for himself. By the way, not that anyone has noticed, but the Cubs have won three out of their last four series. Progress at last...