By The Associated Press
Chicago Cubs closer Ryan Dempster agreed Saturday to a $15.5 million, three-year contract extension through the 2008 season.
Going into Saturday’s game in Houston, Dempster had 33 saves in 35 chances and was 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA in 57 relief appearances. He had converted 19 straight save opportunities, tying a team record during a single season, and his 21 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings were the longest streak by a Cubs reliever since 1989.
“Obviously, it’s been one of those things that you’re really happy about,” Dempster said. “It shows a lot of respect for me and I have a lot of respect for the way they’ve handled me. I’m glad to be here for three more years. Hopefully, I can help them reach their goals and get to the World Series.”
Dempster had worked primarily as a starter for Florida and Cincinnati before surgery on his right elbow in 2003. He signed with the Cubs as a free agent last year, and was 1-1 with two saves and a 3.92 ERA in 23 late-season games.
Dempster was a third-round draft pick by Texas in 1995, then traded the next year to the Florida organization. He started 121 games for the Marlins from 1998-02 before being traded to Cincinnati, where he started 35 games over two seasons before surgery in August 2003.
“It’s a big day for me in my career to get some security like that,” Dempster said.
Braves: Atlanta’s pitching rotation for the playoffs will depend on the Braves’ opponent.
Going into Saturday night’s game against Florida, the Braves still didn’t know if they would face Houston or San Diego in the division series.
“If we start on Tuesday, the starting pitcher could be this guy; if we start on Wednesday, it could be a different guy,” manager Bobby Cox said.
The series that includes the wild-card winner, Houston or Philadelphia, will start Wednesday, with the other series beginning a day earlier. The Braves can’t meet the Phillies in the first round because they play in the same division.
Right-handers John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Jorge Sosa were expected to be the Braves’ first three starters. Righty John Thomson figured to be included if Cox needs a fourth starter.
Smoltz, resting a stiff shoulder, would get an extra day to rest between starts in a San Diego series.
Blue Jays: The team has extended the contracts of their coaching staff through the 2007 season.
Pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, hitting coach Mickey Brantley, third base coach Brian Butterfield, bench coach Ernie Whitt and bullpen coach Bruce Walton all received extensions.
Marty Pevey, who managed Triple-A Syracuse, is the only new addition as the first base coach. Whitt returned to his role as bench coach after the Blue Jays put Pevey at first.
Whitt originally had that role before hitting coach Mike Barnett was fired and replaced by Brantley.
Manager John Gibbons had his contract extended on April 27.
Devil Rays: Don Zimmer, senior advisor to the team, plans to return in 2006 for his 58th year in pro baseball. Zimmer is completing his second season with Tampa Bay and has a contract that runs through next year.
