Dempster hopes Cubs save Graves from dumpster
May 25, 2005
Cubs closer Ryan Dempster knows what a valuable teammate Danny Graves can be. They were together on the Cincinnati Reds in 2002 and 2003, and Dempster would be happy if the Cubs can work out a deal to bring the former Reds closer to Chicago and add him to the bullpen mix.
Dempster called Graves on Tuesday and left him a message after the Reds designated Graves for assignment Monday. Cincinnati has 10 days to trade him before placing him on waivers.
The Cubs have mild interest but aren't planning to make a hard push to get Graves at any cost. If they pursue trade talks, the Reds would have to be willing to pick up most of Graves' $6.25 million salary this year.
"The guys we have in the bullpen are doing a great job,'' Dempster said, "but it'd be great to have him if the opportunity arises. He's such a great guy.
"I honestly think from knowing him and talking to him this year that a change of scenery would be huge for him. We would not only be getting a guy that has [guts] and knows how to pitch, but a quality person.''
I know Dempster is friends with him, but if he looks at is objectively I think even he would admit we are better off without him. No reason to bring him in.