Ryan Dempster is staying with the Chicago Cubs after he agreed on a four year contract offer from the team. He gets a $4 million signing bonus, $8 million next year, $12.5 million in 2010 and $13.5 million in 2011. Dempster has a 2012 player option for $14 million. It sounds like a lot of money to throw at a starting pitcher who just two years ago was the teams closer.

Dempster, went 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA (68 ER/206.2 IP) in 33 starts for the Cubs last season in his return to the starting rotation. He allowed just 14 home runs in 2008 which is pretty good when you think how often he was throwing the ball at Wrigley Field. He ended up being 14-3 at Wrigley and was the Cubs best pitcher at the friendly confines.

It is still being reported the Cubs could trade for Jake Peavy and be able to take on his contract if a deal is worked out. If the Cubs can somehow land Peavy and add him to the rotation, you gotta like that! I don’t think a deal gets done however unless the Cubs unload Jason Marquis to save his salary however.

What do you think Cubs fans? Good signing by the team?