Dempster Signs Contract Extension
Ryan Dempster signed a 4 year, $52 million extension with the Chicago Cubs this week. After a 17-6 record in 2008 with a 2.96 ERA in 33 starts, the Cubbies made it a priority in the off season to get Dempster signed, especially with the loss of Kerry Wood. The Dempster contract extension will have him locked up with the Cubbies through the 2012 season.
After his signing, Dempster stated, “Given as close as we’ve been the last two years, I thought ‘This is where I want to be.’ I enjoy playing here so much. Was there more money on the open market? I’m sure there probably was. Who knows if there would have been interest in five years. You never know. That’s a question that never can be answered. But I don’t even care. I’m happy with what I have, and it’s more money than I could ever dream of growing up and playing baseball.”
Now the Cubbies can focus on their other signing priorities which could include finding a middle infielder, who can be a true lead off hitter, and a left handed hitting outfielder. Regardless of their remaining off season signings, the Cubs pitching staff will be one of the best in the major leagues in 2009.