1/21/2004 02:43:00 PM by Rob

Ryan Dempster

The oft-injured enigma wrapped in a quandry named Ryan Dempster is now a Cub.

Never mind that he was the MAN in Kane County. Never mind that, before I even thought that Greg Maddux was a remote possibility, I advocated our taking a flyer with this guy. I'm fine with it.

But why now? Surely Hendry isn't such a moron that he thinks that Dempster is going to scare Greg Maddux, Greg Frickin Maddux, into signing with us.

More than likely, it was a way to get what was once a grade A prospect, dirt cheap. He had Tommy John in August, so don't count on him whatsoever until the trade deadline. BUT, what if he's ready at that time? Can you use him OR Z OR Clement OR Cruz in a trade to cure what ails us, whatever than may be?

Personally, I am starting to see a real surplus building here, even more so if Maddux is signed. Something has to give.

Maybe the money is going to go to Pudge after all...he hasn't signed with anyone yet.

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