http://www.sbnation.com/users/SouthernCub SB Nation Blog: SouthernCub http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2007/5/21/95915/3082 SouthernCub Mon, 21 May 2007 13:59:15 -0000 <p>I'm wary of the talk of Dempster as a starter. &nbsp;He has been just fine as a closer. &nbsp;His work at the back of the pen has not been the reason we've struggled this year. &nbsp;Furthermore, moving him to the rotation would in NO WAY be an improvement on the rotation. &nbsp;Guzman has been solid as a starter 3.52 ERA. &nbsp;That's better than anything Dempster ever did, and it's MUCH better than most of the work Dempster did as a starter. &nbsp;I see no benefit in making a downgrade in the starting rotation to make a change at a position that has been solid for us this year. &nbsp;I'm glad that either Lou figured that out or that he never really considered that.</p><p>It appears that Guzman is the heir apparent. &nbsp;If that's the case, I like the idea of easing Guzman in. &nbsp;I especially like it considering that I think Dempster's as good as gone this winter as a free agent. &nbsp;If Guzman is the pegged "closer of the future," then it's not a bad idea to have him start to get familiar with the role. &nbsp;Perhaps have him be the 8th inning guy and occasional closer this year.</p><p>The question I have is what they're going to ultimately do with Marmol. &nbsp;Marmol doesn't have the control to be a reliever. &nbsp;His stuff is electric, but he has to get better command. &nbsp;I think he's better suited in the rotation. &nbsp;If Guzman is the next closer, I really don't like the idea of having Marmol in "get out of jam" duty. &nbsp;I can envision him walking in a few runs and adding fuel to the flames, rather than putting out a fire.</p><p>Compounding the question is the status of Zambrano. &nbsp;It's looking less and less likely, with the lack of clarity in the ownership situation, that Zambrano will be back next year. &nbsp;That leaves at least one hole in the rotation, and that's assuming that Lou will be comfortable with a rotation including 3 lefties. &nbsp;Theoretically, we'd need one of Guzman or Marmol to step in as the 5th starter, because our right-handed starting pitching depth drops off to AA again after those two.</p><p>I really hope the team doesn't have visions of Prior stepping back in in 2008. &nbsp;Meanwhile, what happened to Mateo?</p>