Chicago Cubs trade Ryan Dempster to Texas Rangers – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, July 31, traded their starter Ryan Dempster to the Texas Rangers, a move that took many by surprise. The rumours previously were that it was the Los Angeles Dodgers who would get their hands on Dempster, but everything took a sudden turn five minutes prior to the end of non-waiver Trade Deadline.
The Cubs have now got right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks and third baseman Christian Villanueva from the Texas Rangers in the trade. The two were playing at Class A Myrtle Beach. The deal materialised in the presence of the starter himself, something that team general manager Jed Hoyer referred to.
"He held pretty firm on the Dodgers thing," Hoyer said. "I was really glad he was in our office for the last couple hours. It was probably fun for him. He got to see how it worked. He sat in our office and watched himself on TV."
Ryan Dempster had the 10-and-5 right (playing in the Major League for 10 years, five of which had been with the Chicago Cubs) to veto the deal. But Dempster opted for a decision that would ultimately be fruitful professionally.
Being on top in the National League with a 2.25 ERA, all eyes were set on Dempster. Now that he is part of the American League defending champion Texas Rangers, he will be the subject of intense discussion and analysis, thanks to both his career and the equally strong team.
The team manager Dale Sveum is certain that Dempster will be an asset for the Texas Rangers since he is one of the pitchers who can click in any league.
"He's one of those pitchers who can pitch in any league in any park because he has command of every pitch," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Tuesday. "He's sneaky and can pitch up, he can get on people's hands and backdoor the cutter. He can nullify lineups because he's capable of doing so many things to a hitter's weaknesses."
With the Trade Deadline finally concluded, the Cubs will now have their focus on the challenges ahead, which are certainly in legion.
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