Dempster a starter?
Will Lou and Hendry move Dempster into the starting rotation? Looks like it will get a serious look at spring training. Those of you who had a hard time watching him in the 9th inning may now be able to enjoy him every fifth day. Dempster was a starter earlier in his career, winning 15 games for Florida in 2001 and going to the All-Star game. He made 33 starts for Florida and Cincinnati in 2002, but converted to the bullpen after shoulder reconstruction took a good chunk of the next two seasons. He converted 85 of 99 save opportunities over the last three years.
With Zambrano, Lilly, Hill and Marquis most likely back, that would leave Marshall without a home. I guess some time at Iowa wouldn’t kill him. Of course, Marquis could be packaged in a trade for a decent hitting right fielder…
This Dempster shift would leave the closer role open to dangle in front of Wood, but I still think Howry will put up a fight for the spot. I like Marmol in the set-up role for now, as I have confidence when he comes in with the bases loaded. He’s tough under pressure for the most part, especially for someone so young.