Dumping Demp

Aside from producing some of the worst noise to ever ruminate through the radiowaves in the form of Sum 41, Avril Lavigne, and Nickelback, Canada has no major problems. No major World Wars or political strife, a relatively stable economy, the homeland rights to perhaps the most desirable man and woman on the planet, Emanuelle Chriqui and Ryan Gosling, and an affinity for all things denim. Sounds like Heaven on Earth. Here on the North Side, the Cubs are looking to rid themselves of the lone Canuck on their roster who has been a lone beacon amidst a blanket of atrocity for the Cubs this season, RHP Ryan Dempster.

This year, Dempster has gone 5-3 with a 1.86 ERA, a 1.022 WHIP and an average of 3 strikeouts per walk allowed. As his hairline continues to recede, he has grown increasingly capable for the Cubs and has provided them with an anchor on their pitching staff that keeps them in a ballgame every 5th day. On Saturday against the Diamondbacks, Dempster earned his career-best 5th straight W and continued his scoreless inning streak to 33 dating all the way back to May 30th.

With the Cubs nesting as definite sellers at the trade deadline, it is only smart that they are looking to shop Dempster, Garza, and Soriano--if anyone is dumb enough to take on his mega-deal--but Dempster will certainly be missed the most by the franchise and Cub fans alike. What makes the 6'2'', 215 lb., 14-year vet so unique is his consistency. As arguably the most reliable sacrifice bunting pitcher in the NL, Dempster has also pitched 200+ innings and reached the double-digit win plateau in each of the last 4 seasons.

The Cubs are most likely shopping for prospects in moving Demp and will ceratinly miss his laid-back attitude in grooming some of their younger talent. He was a guy who was never afraid to embrace the city. In fact, he lives on Waveland and Wayne Ave., just 4 blocks from Wrigley and was seemingly the type of guy you would see running the lakefront or blasting the latest Raconteurs CD at a local Clark St. watering hole until he had enough microbrews to forget how to grip a 2-seamer. He was awarded by the Sporting News Magazine as one of the "99 Good Guys in Professional Sports" becasue of his genuine nature coupled with his philanthropy. His optimism and positivity in such futile times will be missed perhaps even more than his bizarrely unique windup.

In all likelihood, he will be moved to an AL contender like New York, Detroit, or even across town to the Sox, but it is clear that in enjoying the best season in a career that can be marked by its longevity, Demp will be off the market quicker than a 2-bedroom in Boystown.

If the Cubs are able to move Dempster to the Motor City, they could potentially land Nick Castellanos, the Tigers top offensive prospect at the ripe age of 20 who could be a long-term solution at the hot corner for the Cubs.

Another possible destination, of course, is the Yankees. If NYC proves to be the new home for Ryan, the Cubs will most likely garner pitching prospects in return and will watch Demp pitch well into October as they vacation in the Florida Keys.

In the words of the Gin Blossoms, "anywhere you go, we'll follow you down" (note the Franklin batting gloves worn by the drummer). Thanks for a great tour of duty on the North Side and only the best in the future. If only the Blue Jays were relevant they could make a play on their homeland hero.

As for Pick of the Day, the Pulse Man likes the OVER in the Pirates/Rockies game at Coors Field tonight set at 10.5.

Pick of the Day: Pirates @ Rockies- Combined Runs 10.5- OVER

Record: (64-54-0)

Now I'm done. Rack me.

Frost