Dempster Unhappy with Quade in Cubs' Win Over Pirates

Ryan Dempster is usually supportive of Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade. He wasn't last night when Quade pulled him after five innings when the Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-3.

Carrie Muskat has posted an article at the MLB.com website titled "Disgruntled Dempster tops Bucs."

Despite being lifted before he wanted, Dempster, (6-6, ERA .501), got the win.

Usually players who are unhappy will talk to the manager after the game. Dempster visibly argued with Quade and then threw his hat and glove ultimately disappearing down the dugout steps. After the game Dempster suggested the "win" was the most important part of the situation and Quade did what he thought he had to do.

This was Dempster's first game back after having an injury and Quade was no doubt keeping an eye on the pitch count of the number-one starter.

It does seem to me that Quade can be a bit quick to pull a guy. I think this may come from managing in the minor leagues for so long where you're trying to look at different players and have records for more guys.

Quade has indicated that he doesn't expect an apology from Dempster.

The Cubs' bats were better than the game before when they got blasted at the end of the game and stranded 10 runners.

Carlos Marmol got save No. 19.

The Cubs, (37-54), are playing "off and on" ball. They look good one day and terrible the next. In fact as I post this article they are playing the Pirates again and are losing 6-1. Again it is easy to identify bad pitching and poor hitting.

The All-Star break will signal a chance for teams to get rid of some players and I suggest that the Cubs will do exactly that -- they cannot be happy with the way things are going.

After the All-Star break, the Cubs will host the Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros. Then they go on the road to play the Brewers and Cardinals.

Things are not going to get any easier for them. It is going to be hard to make up 17 games.

References:

MLB.com Website, Carrie Muskat, "Disgruntled Dempster tops Bucs"

MLB.com Website, "Ryan Dempster Statistics"