Chicago Cubs: Greatest players of the decade – #40-31

Chicago Cubs: No. 32: Ryan Dempster

Before he was doing Harry Caray impressions and working in the Chicago Cubs’ front office, Dempster had a great career both as a closer and a starter for the Cubs. He joined the team as a reliever in 2004, and from 2005-2007 he posted 85 saves. The Cubs converted him back to a starter for the 2008 season, and he had a good 4 1/2-year run.

In 2010, Demspter made 34 starts and pitched 215 1/3 innings, the second-highest total of his career and the highest since 2000 with the Florida Marlins. That year, he had a 3.85 ERA and struck out 208 batters, one shy of his career high of 209 in 2000. Dempster was again reliable in 2011, making another 34 starts, though his ERA went up to 4.80.

Then, in 2012, Dempster was on his way to a career year before being traded to the Texas Rangers in the deal that would bring Kyle Hendricks to the Cubs. In 16 starts, he posted a 2.25 ERA, though he wasn’t nearly as good with the Rangers. Dempster wrapped up his career by winning a championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.