Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes today about how the Cubs’ pursuit of Jake Peavy affects their efforts to re-sign pitchers Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood.
Sullivan believes Dempster would be less likely to give the Cubs a discount if they acquire Peavy, who is set to earn an average of $15.75MM per year. Jeff Blair, on the other hand, heard Dempster would be willing to give the Cubs a discount due to his desire to be part of a Cubs super-rotation. It seems that Dempster wants five years and $70MM. Sullivan says the Cubs offered $50MM over four years, while Ken Rosenthal pegged it as closer to Kyle Lohse’s $41MM.
Would acquiring Peavy and retaining Dempster leave any money for Wood? Wood anchors the Cubs’ pen, and his Chicago/Jim Hendry loyalty runs deep. Still, the Cubs would probably have to offer a multiyear deal. Unloading even half of Jason Marquis’ $9.875MM could go a long way.
