Dempster to start in 2008

ESPN Radio 1000's Bruce Levine, at the GM meetings in Orlando, has reported that Jim Hendry has informed him that Ryan Dempster will be returning to the Cubs starting rotation. Dempster, who has been the teams closer since 2005 has had a roller coaster ride as Cub closer. That season he was 33 of 35 in save opportunities. In 2006 he was only 24 of 33 and in 2007 Dempster was a big part of the Cubs NL Central title successfully closing out 28 of 31 save opps. He did this in 2007 despite a 4.73 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP and a 2-7 record.

This move comes as little surprise. If you remember back in late May when Uncle Lou was trying to recreate this team he even toyed with the idea of moving Dempster into the rotation at that time. Remember this episode of All My Cubs:

Last Friday Uncle Lou promised the media some surprises. This led to speculation as to what the shakeup would be. Followed by a very bizzarre series of events Sunday after the ballgame involving Ryan Dempster and the Cub Manager. Dempster told writers he was excited to move to the rotation. Piniella told reporters he had scrapped that plan. This was followed by Dempster saying he would stay put in the Cub bullpen for now:

"I've got a headline for you," Dempster said. " 'Dempster taken out of rotation after one non-start.' "

Well Lou will get his way. He will have a hammer at the back end of his bullpen in 2008. The candidates look to be Bob Howry, Carlos Marmol, Kerry Wood (if he's resigned) or who knows. Something tells me this episode is far from over.