Today, Ryan Dempster talked with Patrick Mooney about what exactly Ryan Dempster wishes to do beyond the 2012 season, when his contract expires. Dempster is approaching his age 35 season, and one which will see him being paid $14M in the final year of his contract.
Dempster said, “I’ve thought about that a lot. As you get older and you get near the end of contracts, you kind of wonder. But at the same time, when I signed on with the Cubs my first time, I was hurt and I had a chance (to) sit there on the bench and kind of watch it all play out in 2004. (I’ve) had a couple different opportunities to sign back and I’ve always thought I want to be here and win.”
His comments are essentially the typical talking points that you would hear in regards to the final walk year. His performance will not warrant nearly the amount of money on a yearly basis, however he is more than serviceable even at this point of his career.
It is impossible to predict what Dempster plans to do with the Cubs. He could be blowing smoke to the media, essentially saying he wants to stay in Chicago to increase the leverage from other clubs, or playing nice with the Chicago media until he leaves. There are several more possibilities, including the thought that he’s actually telling the truth. However the “I’ve always thought I want to be here and win” quote couldn’t possibly be true to a rational man.
Instead, the article drives a simple question: how much longer can Ryan Dempster pitch? It’s impossible to truly diagnose what the player thinks, but it would be safe to assume that Dempster has another two years in the tank.
I would really like to see Dempster retire as a Cub. He’s a true good guy, and a player Jim Hendry picked up on the cheap when no one else would; the typical player Cubs fans love to root for.
Lets hope Dempster actually finishes up with the Cubbies.
