Ryan Dempster made his return to the starting rotation in 2008 and did not disappoint. He finished the 2008 campaign with a record of 17-6, a 2.96 ERA, and a return trip to the All-Star game. Dempster was also highly dependable as he made 33 starts, pitched 200+ innings with one game completed. We all know his one postseason start did not go very well, as he allowed a two run lead to dissipate due to a sudden lack of control, but his one final start should not diminish a fantastic season for Dempster, for which he was rewarded with a four year, $52 million contract to return to the Cubs.

Prior to the 2008 season, Dempster was the subject of a fiery debate amongst Kingdom Cub as he was the team’s closer from 2005-2007. During that stretch, Dempster saved 85 games in 101 chances, for an 84% save percentage. That percentage is well above the major league average, however he when he blew a save, he really blew it, and did seem to constantly make games interesting regardless of the lead. But remember, that is a Cubs tradition once you think back to the days of Rod Beck and the newly retired Joe Borowski. While Dempster’s role as closer was intensely debated, it appeared he always wanted to return to the starting rotation. During the transition from 2007-2008, Sweet Lou gave him his shot.

We are bombarded every Spring Training with stories of how players report to camp in the “best shape of my life” and “have never felt better”, but in Dempster’s case it was the truth. He pushed himself through a rigorous off season strength and conditioning program, prompting Sweet Lou to call Dempster a “man on a mission”. Dempster showed the ability to compete in the starting rotation in Spring Training and quite frankly made it a no brainer with his Spring outings. By about midway through Spring Training 2008, Dempster had already solidified a spot in the rotation. Now it was time for him to prove it during the regular season.

Dempster responded big time by going 10-4 during the first half of the year with a 3.25 ERA. He was voted to the National League All-Star team and pitched a perfect inning in that game. Despite a great first half of the season, most wondered if Dempster could maintain it the rest of the way. He did and in fact, he got better. Dempster followed up his first half performance with a 7-2 record and a 2.52 ERA during the second half of the season. His performance propelled the Cubs to the National League’s best record and second strait N.L. Central title. I would talk about his postseason start, but quite frankly I don’t want to, so I’m not.

After signing his four year, $52 million contract to remain a Chicago Cub, it remains to be seen whether he is hitting his stride as a starting pitcher or whether he was simply a one year wonder. However, resigning Dempster was a good move, especially after the Cubs decided not to bring back Kerry Wood and the trade of Mark DeRosa. Dempster, along with Derrek Lee, is a positive clubhouse presence and quite frankly, Dempster is hilarious and he puts everyone in a good mood. Any man who takes a picture like this cannot be defined as anything other than hilarious.

As for 2009, one might expect a drop off from Dempster, I do not. I expect Dempster to finish with a 19-8 record, an ERA of 3.32, one complete game, and another All-Star selection. MARK IT DOWN!!!!

Guy Smiley will be back tomorrow with another novel in the Pinkie’s 2009 Cubbies’ Season Outlook.