To Trade or Not to Trade: THAT is the Question- about: RYAN DEMPSTER

Mr. Mack has been told in no uncertain terms that Cubs' starting pitcher, Ryan Dempster, is officially on the "trading block." Dempster is a reliable starting pitcher, a "#2 or 3 type" who would comfortably fit into any rotation in the bigs, this side of the Rangers or Angels. Dempster recently turned 35, so while he's out of his "prime" he still retains plenty of life in all 5 of his pitches (four-seam and two-seam fastballs, which still average around 91; a mid-to-high 80's cut fastball; a low-to-mid 80's slider and a splitter that sits in the low 80's as well). The right-handed throwing Dempster, who possesses a lifetime record of 112-119 with an ERA of 4.36 and 87 saves, will be a free agent at the end of this season, and is coming off of a 4-year deal with the Cubs that paid him approximately $52 million smackers. 

The Mets are currently parading a host of rag-tag replacements in the #5 spot of their rotation, trying to replace the out-for-the-season Mike Pelfrey, and their collective success is one large groan! Therefore, in light of the fact that GM Sandy Alderson has stated that they may be able to take on some salary if it makes "sense," at this point an outside addition to the rotation that won't cost a ton in either cash or prospects would be a great sign to the team's fanbase that they are serious about contending this season, the first that features an additional wild card team in each league.

With this in mind, I propose the following trade for Dempster:

To: The Mets - 

RYAN DEMPSTER (Cubs pick up 1/2 of his remaining salary of approx $13,000,000, which, pro-rated, equates to about $5 mil for the Mets to pay)

To: The Cubs -

DYLAN OWEN- Pitcher - Bisons

JOSH SATIN - Inf/OF - Bisons

ARMANDO RODRIGUEZ - P - B-Mets

ROBBIE SHIELDS - SS - St. Lucie Mets

The Cubs get 2 players (Owen, Satin) who can move up to the big league club and 2 whom perhaps will benefit from a change of scenery. At worst, it gives them additional bodies to package in other deals, and at best it adds some much-needed depth to their minor leagues.

I can't see giving up any player of long-term value for a 35-year-old pitcher under control for half of a season, and unless the Cubs were willing to pick up all of Dempster's salary, I would be very reluctant to deal any valuable bodies. Should they decide to do so, and if Alderson believes Dempster is the missing link to give the bullpen some much-needed rest, I'd be less reluctant to add in a pitcher of reasonable value, say someone below a Gorski in value.

Finally, I am NOT in favor of rushing any of the organization's valuable arms due to need at the big league level, so acquiring a live arm at a moderate cost is something I'd be highly in favor of doing.

What are your thoughts about adding Dempster or any other veteran pitcher to the team? Who would YOU give up? Let us know by commenting, and, as always...

LET'S GO METS!!!!!!!!!