Dempster, who had a career year after converting from closer to starter, has said he would like to remain with the Cubs. "Absolutely. I love it here," Dempster said two days after the Cubs were swept from the National League Division Series for the second straight season. General manager Jim Hendry shares the feeling. "Ryan knows we want him to stay here, and he's never expressed a desire that he wants to leave," Hendry said earlier this month. Edmonds, Howry and Fox, all at least 35 years old, come with more question marks than Dempster. The Cubs may opt not to pursue Edmonds if they would rather let Johnson and 2008 Opening Day center fielder Felix Pie battle for the spot in Spring Training.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster filed for free agency.

Ryan Dempster has filed for free agency, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.He is believed to be a top priority for the Cubs to re-sign. He will be among the hottest free agents, as he nailed down 17 wins with Chicago in 2008, while maintaining a 2.96 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.

News: Cubs manager Jim Hendry said two of his top priorities this offseason would be re-signing free agent pitchers Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood.

Analysis: Back as a starter after three seasons as the Cubs closer, Dempster went 17-6 and was fourth in the league a 2.96 ERA. He was particularly good at home, going 14-3. He has suddenly emerged as one of the top starting pitchers in the league after looking like a so-so reliever. Expect to draft him among the top 25 starting pitchers next season, whether he rejoins the Cubs or not

Carrie Muskat, of MLB.com, reports Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster is one of general manager Jim Hendry's biggest priorities during the offseason. Hendry plans to speak with Dempster and his agent in the next few weeks. Dempster will become a free agent following the World Series.

Bob Nightengale, of USA Today, reports Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster will likely return to the team in 2009.

Among the biggest pitching breakthroughs, Dempster went from mediocre closer to Cubs ace all in the span of one season, a conversion that is certain to attract a multi-year deal on the free-agent market this offseason. That said, it's hard to ignore how many more innings Dempster threw this past season (140 more than '07), and the increased workload could take its toll in 2009.

Among the biggest pitching breakthroughs, Dempster went from mediocre closer to Cubs ace in the span of one season, a conversion that is certain to attract a multi-year deal on the free-agent market this offseason. That said, it's hard to ignore how many more innings Dempster threw this past season (140 more than '07), and the increased workload could take its toll in 2009.

Ryan Dempster will head to the Cubs' bullpen for Game 3 of the NLDS. "We'll have him in the bullpen available tomorrow and Sunday," said manager Lou Piniella. "And if he pitches, we can always start (Carlos) Zambrano on Tuesday, which would be his fifth day. We're going to pull out all the stops that we can and do what ever we can to help ourselves win baseball games."Source: Arlington Daily Herald

Ryan Dempster will be available out of the bullpen tonight and tomorrow, if there is a game, according to the Arlington Daily Herald. "We'll have him in the bullpen available (today) and Sunday," said manager Lou Piniella. "And if he pitches, we can always start (Carlos) Zambrano on Tuesday, which would be his fifth day. We're going to pull out all the stops that we can and do what ever we can to help ourselves win baseball games."Dempster walked seven batters in the Game 1 loss to the Dodgers. This could be viewed as a demotion, but he would likely be available to start, if needed, later in the series if he throws just an inning or two.

Ryan Dempster will head to the Cubs' bullpen for Game 3 of the NLCS. "We'll have him in the bullpen available tomorrow and Sunday," said manager Lou Piniella. "And if he pitches, we can always start (Carlos) Zambrano on Tuesday, which would be his fifth day. We're going to pull out all the stops that we can and do what ever we can to help ourselves win baseball games."Source: Arlington Daily Herald

Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster will be available to pitch out of the bullpen Saturday, Oct. 4, for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to The Associated Press. If the series goes to a fourth game, Dempster would also be available in relief for that contest as well.

News: This was no way for Ryan Dempster to back up his bold prediction. The man who turned heads by forecasting the Cubs would win the World Series went wild and failed to make it out of the fifth inning as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Chicago 7-2 Wednesday in their NL playoff opener. Dominant at Wrigley Field during the regular season, Dempster tied a career-high with seven walks and gave up a grand slam to James Loney. It certainly wasn't a good start for the All-Star or for a team looking to end a 100-year championship drought. Which is exactly what Dempster predicted the Cubs would do on the first day of spring training, even though he wasn't guaranteed a spot in the rotation. "I think we will win the World Series. I really do," he said in Arizona that day. Dempster was wild from the start, allowing runners to reach base in every inning. He threw 32 pitches in the third inning when the Dodgers got two walks and an infield single by Manny Ramirez to load the bases with two out, but Andre Ethier struck out. Ahead 2-0, Dempster wasn't as fortunate in the fifth. Rafael Furcal, Ramirez and Ethier walked to load the bases for Loney, who hit a drive far over the center-field wall with two outs for 4-2. Loney swung at and missed the first two pitches, fouled off the third and took a high fastball before connecting on a changeup. That silenced the crowd, and Matt Kemp chased Dempster with a double to left-center.

Analysis: Back as a starter after three seasons as the Cubs' closer, he went 17-6 and was fourth in the league a 2.96 ERA. He was particularly good at home in going 14-3, and that was one reason manager Lou Piniella had him start the opener over Zambrano. But in his first playoff start and second postseason appearance, Dempster found little comfort in the Friendly Confines. Think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy SP going into 2009

Rick Gano, of The Associated Press, reports Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster threw 109 pitches in just 4 2/3 innings in Game 1 of the NLDS Wednesday, Oct. 1. He gave up four hits and four runs while walking seven, which tied his career high in walks.

Ryan Dempster walked seven and gave up four runs in 4 2/3 innings Wednesday in a loss to the Dodgers. Dempster's strong record at home played a part in him being lined up to start the opener against the Dodgers, but he was all over the place tonight and James Loney finally made him pay with a grand slam in the fifth. Dempster faced one more batter, giving up a double before being removed. Prior to the homer, he had allowed just two hits.

Matthew Leach, of MLB.com, reports Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster went 14-3 at home with a 2.86 ERA at home this season.

Cubs.MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster is 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA in 12 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers this season.