Dempster To Test Open Market

According to Ken Rosenthal, Cubs starter Ryan Dempster will test the open market before listening to offers from the Cubs. Nearly everyone in baseball thought the Cubs would resign Ryan Dempster, but after posting 17 wins and an ERA under three, he wants to see what he can get. Negotiations will be tough because the Cubs and Dempster's agents feel very different on what Dempster should be paid. Dempster's agent will likely factor in this year heavily, in hopes of landing him a deal comparable to A.J. Burnett. However, the Cubs will look at Dempster's struggles in years past and wonder whether or not he can have success again in 2009.

The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Braves are all looking for a top of the line starter, so Dempster could receive big time money on the open market.