Ryan Dempster Earns Friday Start for Cubs Against Pittsburgh

We have to be happy for Ryan Dempster. Dempster will be starting for the Chicago Cubs on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It's a major change for the Cubs who for the last few years have started with Carlos Zambrano.

There are a couple of things we should know about Dempster.

First, he has a great sense of humor. Often when the Cubs are comfortably ahead you may see Dempster sitting in the dugout with a funny face or mask. Also he may harass the other pitcher to keep them loose.

Dempster has been behind manager Mike Quade from the outset of him taking over for Lou Piniella. Dempster was pulled by Quade in a game in which he had given up only two hits in seven innings. Angry, he was able to listen to Quade's logic. From then on Dempster was a supporter. However, it says just as much about Dempster as Quade.

Dempster and his wife have a daughter who will turn 2 on Friday. She suffers from an illness called DiGeorge syndrome. Her name is Riley and the illness she has affects how she breathes and swallows. The birth of Riley affected Dempster and his wife a lot. Dempster started a foundation; that is the type of person he is.

Dempster has had a great preseason.

Every time I have seen Dempster interviewed he has been very nice and by all accounts from teammates, that is the way he is.

One last thing about Dempster: He is Canadian. Dempster keeps a stick by his locker representing hockey but he picked baseball over hockey long ago.

Talking about Dempster is interesting but his persona isn't the only news.

Dempster represents the "new" Cubs. Even though Zambrano makes tons more money than Dempster, Dempster is starting. Last year, Dempster had a major disagreement with the manager yet no ill will remains.

The air is clear as the Chicago Cubs go to work.

Dempster will be the starting pitcher.

Reference:

Chicago Cubs' Website, Carrie Muskat, "Dempster living his dream as Cubs No. 1"