Cubs Add 2005 Insurance

In an interesting move the Cubs signed Ryan Dempster to a one year deal with a club option for 2005. In 2004 he'll get $300K with a base of $2M in 2005 (he made over $3M in 2003 with the Reds). He's rehabing from Tommy John surgery so likely wouldn't pitch in 2004. He hasn't been at all effective since 2001 and has a history of control trouble. Not a bad risk although they better be pretty sure he's all the way back if they pick up the option in 2005.