ESPN.com - Ryan Dempster gets Opening Day nod

Monday, February 21, 2011
Ryan Dempster gets Opening Day nod

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By Bruce Levine
ESPNChicago.com

MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade set his opening rotation, and despite campaigning for his seventh consecutive Opening Day start, Carlos Zambrano will watch Ryan Dempster have that honor this season.

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The first three slots in the Cubs' rotation will be filled by Dempster, Zambrano and newly acquired Matt Garza.

That means Zambrano will start the road opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 8 after the Cubs open the season with home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks.

"I can't get away from some of these performances in Milwaukee," Quade said. "If you're pitching Game 2 or 3, then you're pitching in Milwaukee.

"Also, to expose an important division rival out of the chute to Garza I thought was important."

Zambrano finished last season 8-0 in his final 11 starts, but he endured a tumultuous first half to the season that included a suspension and anger management therapy following a dugout confrontation with former teammate Derrek Lee.

Dempster has been the most consistent Cubs starter the last several seasons, but he was 0-3 against Pittsburgh last season.

"I think they all understand what I expect from them," Quade said when asked if Zambrano was good with the decision. "I respect the hell out of all of them. And after their response [to the decision], I respect them even more."

Quade had a sit-down meeting with all three starters.

The final two spots in the rotation still are open.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.

via sports.espn.go.com