No deal imminent, says Chicago Cubs' starter Ryan Dempster – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs’ starter Ryan Dempster on Thursday, July 19, stated that there was no deal imminent as the Trade Deadline neared. The Cubs’ starter revealed that he had some conversations with the club's top brass, but with no outcome so far.
For now, nonetheless, Dempster’s focus remains the next encounter wherein he shall have a start against the St. Louis Cardinals. The game scheduled for Friday will serve as evidence of his remarkable consistency throughout the season.
He has been with the Chicago Cubs for five years now and the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, at this point in time, is not on his head. It rather is the game against the Cardinals which he wants to go strongly in.
"It's just kind of like, 'Hey, there's teams interested,' and that's great. Nothing imminent, not that I know of," Dempster said. "I'm sure if they have something, they'll come to me. But right now I'm just trying to get ready for tomorrow's game."
Having been there with the Cubs for the aforementioned period of five years, Dempster can also veto any trade. However, he is not likely to consider any such prospect for now. He seems to be going with the flow at the moment.
There are a lot of things that go to Dempster’s favour this season. Take, for example, the envious record he has maintained with five wins to his credit, having held 1.86 ERA during the season. That does not end there as he has had 33 consecutive scoreless innings.
"I know I haven't given up a run in five starts. I'm not naive," Dempster said. "Like I said when I had a no-hitter going before, I know when I have a no-hitter going. I know that I have it, so I'm just going to try to keep it going, for sure.”
Last any pitcher who did this was Orel Hershiser. He had a record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings. Whether Dempster succeeds in breaking that record is something that cannot be said with certitude.
Friday’s game against the Cardinals will be the litmus test for the accomplished starter.
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