Kuzul

While the Chicago Cubs didn’t head into the 2013 season with the expectation that this would definitely be a rebuilding season, they knew it was at least a reasonable possibility—one that’s looking more likely after an 8-14 start. The rebuilding process took a big step last season as three of the top four prospects in the organization, according to Baseball Prospectus (Albert Almora—draft, Jorge Soler—international free agent, Arodys Vizcaino—acquired in 2012), were added to the farm system after Theo Epstein took over as president of baseball operations in Chicago. Along with the team’s first-round pick in 2011, shortstop Javier Baez, the Cubs' quartet of prospects at the top of the list are quite impressive. In less than a year, the future of the team is already looking much brighter. The rebuilding plan, as it pertains to the second year under Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer, could revolve around the trade value of starting ...

Ryan Dempster hasn't reached an agreement with an MLB team yet this offseason, but it's not like he hasn't had his chances. According to ESPN, Dempster rejected a two-year deal from the Boston Red Sox on Friday night: Source: Dempster rejects $25M Red Sox offer: The Boston Red Sox made a two-year, $25 million offer to free agent... es.pn/VRXQ25— espnmlb (@espnmlb) December 8, 2012 This is pretty shocking considering how old Dempster is and the money that was on the table. The 35-year-old is not going to get many opportunities to be an ace anywhere, meaning it would be wise for him to accept a deal that allowed him to be a prominent starting rotation member.Between the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers last season, Dempster had a 12-8 record with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He didn't blow anyone away, but his ground-ball pitching allowed him to string together pretty solid numbers across the ...

With the offseason working it's way into full swing this week, we're starting to see signs of which teams are seriously considering reshaping their rosters and which will maintain growth from within.The Chicago Cubs appeared to be one of the biggest buyers of the young offseason on Friday when a trade sending Carlos Marmol to Los Angeles in exchange for Dan Haren was announced, but with that trade falling through, it's back to the drawing board.One option noted by Chicago Cubs beat writer Carrie Muskat is the return of Ryan Dempster to Wrigley Field.The idea may seem odd, given the fact that he was traded away less than six months ago, but in all reality, the move makes more sense than one might think.Begin Slideshow

With only one game remaining in the 2012 season, an intriguing aspect of Major League Baseball’s new collective bargaining agreement will come into play for the first time. In addition to the team(s) who failed to sign their respective first-round draft pick, the bottom nine teams—as determined by overall record—will be awarded a protected first-round draft pick. So why is a protected draft pick such a big deal? Well, under the new CBA, the first 10 picks in the MLB First-Year Player Draft are all locked, essentially. Therefore, in an attempt to level the playing field, the bottom nine teams will be able sign the top free agents on the market without sacrificing their first-round draft pick. Rather, any team who ultimately signs a top-ranked free agent will instead part with their second-round pick. No matter how Wednesday’s games play out, the bottom nine has already been solidified (via MLB ...

MLB personnel moves are frequently prefaced by fan speculation, media probing or an executive announcement. Somebody usually spoils the surprise.This article celebrates 10 exceptions to that norm that were completed in 2012.The players involved ranged from future first-ballot Hall of Famers to lifetime reserves. The reasons for relocation varied, too.However, they all understand what it's like to be moved in a shocking trade.Let's review their experiences from the past year.Begin Slideshow

The MLB trade deadline wasn't uneventful, but it lacked its signature dramatic flair. A handful of teams made moves to benefit their playoff picture, but not all of these will pan out in the end.Factors have to be considered when picking up a new player. A change of scenery can have a negative, as well as a positive, impact. A new ballpark can impact their productivity, and their new teammates may not lend the same comfort as their previous home did.Let's take a look at which players will falter in their new homes for one reason or another. Shane VictorinoVictorino will flop with the Dodgers for one reason: he isn't the player he used to be. It's that simple, but that didn't stop Los Angeles for rolling the dice.I can't say I blame them for picking up "The Flyin' Hawaiian." They needed a leadoff hitter, and he fits the bill. At ...

Just before the 4:00 non-waiver trade deadline, the Texas Rangers made their biggest move by acquiring Ryan Dempster from the Cubs for two minor leaguers.The move came after the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim traded for Zack Greinke over the weekend and after learning that Neftali Feliz will have Tommy John surgery.The cost wasn't high; the Rangers only gave up a minor league third baseman blocked in the system by Adrian Beltre and Mike Olt and an organizational pitcher who isn't much of a prospect.Dempster has good numbers this year, and the Rangers needed a No. 1 or No. 2 starting pitcher, but Dempster was not the answer. Here are five reasons why.Begin Slideshow

The last 48 hours have been tenuous for Atlanta Braves baseball fans to say the least.  Word broke yesterday that the Braves and Chicago Cubs agreed to a deal that would send ace Ryan Dempster to Atlanta for Randall Delgado.Fans of both franchises were ecstatic with the move.  For the Braves, Dempster provided stability to a rotation that has been plagued by a season-ending injury to Brandon Beachy and uneven performances by Tommy Hanson, Randall Delgado, and Mike Minor.  The Cubs gained a young pitcher in Delgado who could develop without the added pressure of a pennant race in the back of his mind.As the day wore on, reports began filtering out that Dempster was not aware of any impending trade and then early today MLBTradeRumors.com reported that Dempster was on the fence about signing any deal because he wanted the Cubs to re-open trade talks with his first choice, ...

Ryan Dempster is a wanted man, and it's no wonder considering his sparkling 2.14 ERA and the Chicago Cubs overall futility. But the Washington Nationals should be aggressive in their attempts to obtain Dempster, if they are serious about winning this year.The Cubs are sellers, and when it comes to Dempster there seems to be a healthy amount of buyers.According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Nationals are one of them. He writes: "The Ryan Dempster Derby currently is a battle between the Braves, Nationals and Cardinals, people familiar with the talks suggest."Dempster obviously has the stuff to help any pitching rotation, but his experience could be a real asset to the Nats in a pennant race.Washington has only two pitchers (Mike Gonzalez 34 and Tom Gorzelanny 30) who are 30 years old or older. Dempster is a 35-year-old, 14-year veteran, who has pitched in two postseasons. That experience ...

If the St. Louis Cardinals are considering dealing the organization's top-pitching prospect, Shelby Miller, there are a handful of potentially available pitchers they could go after. While there is no guarantee they would be willing to part ways with him, his performance in 2012 has at least shown that he is not untouchable. His last start was a major improvement, but he has not easily made the transition to Triple-A baseball. Miller is 4-8 on the season with a 5.79 ERA with the Memphis Redbirds. In 82.1 innings pitched through 18 starts, the 21-year-old RHP has surrendered 17 home runs and 46 walks. On the positive side, he also has 94 strikeouts. He still has some nasty pitches, but has not responded well to the improved hitting of the Pacific Coast League. Opposing batters are hitting .280 off of him to date. Don’t let his record fool you. Miller still ...