Elmhurst Steve wrote:
In the Sun Times, it was reported that Crane Kenny stated that the spending increases seen in recent years by the Cubs (Fukadome/Soriano) are not to continue and that in fact, some of the current players may not be retained due to budget restraints. The article went on to say that Kerry Wood, may be one such player not retained. This from a team that drew 3.3 million fans (an all time record in Chicago) and a team that will likely increase ad revenues, based on increased ratings on radio and television broadcasts. I thought the deal was, they improve the team and win consistently and we buy every ticket available. I might buy Kenny's song and dance about a rough economy, if it had any effect on ticket sales for the Cubs. But it has had ZERO effect. The days of the biggest outdoor beer garden are gone. Winning is expected and demanded. The fans have done their part in supporting the team to the hilt. This team must do its part and continue to work towards the Championship that has been everyones goal.
Once Dempster and Wood hit the open market, I have a hard time seeing how the Cubs keep both of them, and, at the same time, hope to upgrade other parts of their roster.
Dempster had a great season, and he'll get a big deal, I'm just not sure it should or will be with the Cubs. If they let him go, they will have Zambrano, Lilly, Harden, Marquis and probably Marshall. Still, a pretty good rotation, and, remember, this is the NL Central where the Brewers are likely to lose Sabathia and also Sheets, meaning they could head in the wrong direction. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati aren't very good, and the Astros/Cardinals aren't exactly powerhouses, basically average teams. If the Cubs and Dempster are able to agree to a below market deal (home town discount), then I think they may resign him, but I sort of expect some team to offer more years/$$$ than the Cubs are willing to offer.
As for Wood, I don't want him for 3 or 4 years, especially when Carlos Marmol is on the roster. I also don't want to pay Wood $12 million a season on a multi-year deal and regret it as soon as him arm falls off.
Letting both of these guys go seem unlikely to me, which makes me think that Kerry Wood, due to his Cub love, is more likely to be back.
Resigning either of these guys (or both) does nothing to free up payroll though because both were making very reasonable salaries this season (Wood around $4.5 million and Dempster $7.3) so they still have to move a big salary player, like Derek Lee ($13 million). With Lee, I think they are more concerned with getting his payroll off the books than getting another high priced player back. If they can move Lee for a younger starter pitcher or a left handed OF who's making only decent money, I think they would heavily consider it since it allows them to fill another hole, and free up some cash to make another move or two.
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