Dempster was 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA for the Cubs last season, then became a free agent after making the switch from the closer to starter. "It was imperative that we kept him in house ... No doubt in our minds that Ryan would have exceeded this deal on the streets in three or four weeks from now, the way the market is for starting pitching." Chicago also has explored acquiring San Diego ace Jake Peavy.
Full Article at Denver Post