header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Ryan Dempster Trade Smoke Signals....

Ryan Dempster Trade Smoke Signals and Other Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Jun 14, 2012
Chicago Cubs

The Wife and I are travelling to Chicago today, so you know the drill: usual posting today, but I probably won’t be around as much in the comments. Your maturity is appreciated.

  • The Internetz were sent in a bit of a tizzy yesterday afternoon when reports surfaced that Theo Epstein was spotted meeting in the Wrigley Field stands with Ryan Dempster. Since Dempster is on the trade block, and he has no-trade rights, Epstein has said the two would meet at some point to discuss Dempster’s future with the team. Was this “the” meeting? Maybe. But Dempster has since indicated they were meeting about a charity function. Still, I’m sure some things came up.
  • Interestingly, the Cubs announced yesterday that they were swapping Ryan Dempster and Jeff Samardzija in the rotation, so Dempster will now go on Friday, and Samardzija on Saturday. Just giving Samardzija an extra day of rest? That’s what Dale Sveum says, and it’s probably true. If the Cubs were immediately going out on the road come Saturday, I could understand folks seeing this as a sign that Dempster is making his last start as a Cub, but Dempster’s erstwhile Saturday start would have been at Wrigley, too.
  • Matt Garza, who, like Dempster, will continue to be the subject of rumors over the next month and a half, offers his thoughts on such rumors. “I just want to play,” he said. “It’s not my choice. If they want to keep me here, I’m going to keep playing and go out there every five days and do what I’m set to do and that’s get as many outs as possible and that’s keep my team in the ballgame. I love the city, my kids love the city, and it would be a great place for them to grow up …. When they tell me I can’t play anymore, that’ll be the worst day of my life. I just want to keep playing. I’ll pitch on the frickin’ moon. As long as people keep asking me, I’ve done a good job. When they stop asking, it’s time to worry.” Matt Garza will pitch on the frickin’ moon. Have I mentioned that I like this guy?
  • Dale Sveum thinks Ryan Dempster and Alfonso Soriano could be among the Cubs’ top candidates for the All-Star game. When he mentioned them, I doubt he meant it to be an exclusive list, as there are many other players who could receive consideration.
  • Keith Law has said that he expects every first round draft pick except Mark Appel to sign (that would include the Cubs’ top pick, Albert Almora). Jim Callis also said that he doesn’t see how Almora could turn down a signing bonus around $3 million. The Cubs’ slot recommendation for the pick is $3.25 million.
  • The Boston Globe has a great interview with Theo Epstein, on which I’ll have to write a separate post at some point. But, yeah, it’s worth a read.
  • Tigers’ GM Dave Dombrowski advises the Cubs to be patient, and Prince Fielder says that Dale Sveum could be a good one for the Cubs long-term.
  • Jay Jaffe says the Cubs would be nuts to trade Starlin Castro. But David Schoenfield says the Cubs should have some concerns about Castro.
  • Aaron Miles plans to retire. I assume he’ll come out of retirement in 2015, when the Cubs are battling the Cardinals down the stretch for the NL Central, and will lead the Cardinals to victory.
  • Details on Kerry Wood’s annual bowling tournament (June 27), and a silent auction to go with it.
  • A reminder: enter the BN one-day fantasy contest! Do it! For real!
  • The greatest and most random Jose Valverde photoshop in the history of photoshops (thanks to BN’er Bz, to whom I said the original picture of Valverde looked like it was asking for a really obvious photoshop (thinking he was going to assume I meant something with taking a dump), and, instead, he created this):

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Pirates 4 – May 12, 2024

    It's Mother's Day. I'm hanging with the family. I don't feel like being as pissed off as a game like that threatened to make me. So I am QUITE relieved by that 10th inning (and the fact that the Cubs...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 12, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

    I'll just presume he was sending this one out for mom. And I'll also presume that the knee is indeed feeling good. Home run number nine on the season for Christopher Morel: https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1789713524052087082

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 12, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (12:35 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have played thirteen series so far this season, and this is already their eighth rubber match. Let's see if Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs can bring this one in. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, SS...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 12, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

    No surprises here, as the decision to start Kyle Hendricks this afternoon against the Pirates was made yesterday, but the news has officially hit the wire, and here it is. Kyle Hendricks Activated Kyle Hendricks is returning from his short...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 12, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Happy Mother's Day to the mothers among you, and to the mothers in my life! I'll be doing some extra family stuff today, so I'm gonna cruise through these Bullets ... Up front, because this was certainly the thing most...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 12, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

    The Sunday TBD has been D'd, and it's going to be Kyle Hendricks coming back an outing early. Instead of making another rehab start at Iowa, Hendricks is going to be activated from the IL to rejoin the rotation tomorrow:...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 11, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

    The Cubs came within 90 feet of keeping that ridiculous game going. No dice. Stupid game. Early on, it just kinda seemed like the Cubs might lose a perfectly normal - bad, but normal - game. Justin Steele did not...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 11, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — After a little tease yesterday, Seiya Suzuki is actually, officially in the Cubs lineup today. And he'll be greeted with a tough matchup against the top pitching prospect in Major League Baseball. Welcome back! Chicago Cubs Lineup:...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 11, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

    Today the Chicago Cubs placed reliever Yency Almonte on the Injured List with a right shoulder strain. Jose Cuas has been recalled from Iowa to take his place in the bullpen. Almonte, together with Mark Leiter Jr., had been performing...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 11, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Credit to Assad, Huge Ups to Brown, Hopes for Taillon, Happ’s Bat and Glove, Bellinger History, and Other Cubs Bullets

    How did I not know that the Aurora Borealis was going to be visible last night?!?!? I woke up this morning to all these awesome pictures from friends and other people in the area, and I'm MISERABLE ABOUT IT. With...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 11, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    How to Watch

    Astros vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In a series opener on Monday, Spencer Arrighetti will take the mound for the Houston Astros (15-25) against Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics (19-23), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.Keep reading to see...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Brewers vs. Pirates: Live Stream or on TV

    William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (24-16) host Connor Joe and the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-23) on Monday, with first pitch at 7:40 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Milwaukee take on Pittsburgh live.When...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Rangers vs. Guardians: Live Stream or on TV

    The Texas Rangers (22-20), led by Marcus Semien, host Josh Naylor and the Cleveland Guardians (25-16) on Monday at 8:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Texas take on Cleveland.When is Rangers vs....

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Braves vs. Cubs: Live Stream or on TV

    The Atlanta Braves (24-12), led by Marcell Ozuna, host Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs (24-17) at 7:20 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Atlanta-Chicago matchup below.When is Braves vs. Cubs and when does...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    Phillies vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Cristopher Sanchez takes the ball for the Philadelphia Phillies (28-13) when they visit starting pitcher Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (18-20) at 7:10 PM ET on Monday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Philadelphia...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Nationals vs. White Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals (19-20) visit Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (12-29) at 7:40 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Washington square off against Chicago live.When is...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    Tigers vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Detroit Tigers (20-20), with Kenta Maeda on the mound, host the Miami Marlins (11-31) who will hand the ball to Sixto Sanchez, at 6:40 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the Detroit-Miami matchup...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

    Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (26-13) host Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) on Monday in a series opener, with first pitch at 6:35 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need to know...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Rays: Live Stream or on TV

    In a series opener on Monday, Kutter Crawford will start for the Boston Red Sox (21-19) against Zach Eflin and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-21), with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at Fenway Park.If you're planning on watching...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    NBA Picks

    Celtics vs. Cavaliers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 – Monday, May 13, 2024

    The Cleveland Cavaliers are 8.5-point underdogs heading into Game 4 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The Celtics are up 2-1...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 12, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Pirates 4 – May 12, 2024

    Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (12:35 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

    Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

    Credit to Assad, Huge Ups to Brown, Hopes for Taillon, Happ’s Bat and Glove, Bellinger History, and Other Cubs Bullets

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Points Galore at World Championship, Toews Stories, Toronto Drama, OT Oilers, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

    Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (12:35 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

    Latest News

    Astros vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Brewers vs. Pirates: Live Stream or on TV

    How to Watch Rangers vs. Guardians: Live Stream or on TV

    How to Watch Braves vs. Cubs: Live Stream or on TV

    Phillies vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Nationals vs. White Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    Tigers vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Rays: Live Stream or on TV

    Celtics vs. Cavaliers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 – Monday, May 13, 2024

    Detroit Tigers vs. Miami Marlins Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Series May 13-14: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Series May 13-16: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Points Galore at World Championship, Toews Stories, Toronto Drama, OT Oilers, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

    Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (12:35 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.