Spring training is over - let the real games begin.
That's the sentiment from Gibsons Ryan Dempster as he and the Chicago Cubs close out their spring training schedule in Mesa, Ariz. this weekend.
For the first time since 2003, Dempster will toe the mound as a starter as he's been pencilled in to the Cubs starting rotation.
Dempster will start the third game of the season on Wednesday, April 6 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Heading into spring training, Dempster had no idea what role he would play this year with the Cubs.
Some baseball insiders had Dempster tabbed as the Cubs closer, while others had him as the fifth starter in the rotation or even long relief coming out of the bullpen.
But with injuries to starters Kerry Wood and Mark Prior and relief pitcher Joe Borowski, manager Dusty Baker had a pretty easy decision to make. He's turned to Dempster to play a big role with the club, at least at the beginning of the season, until the rest of the pitching staff gets healthy.
Dempster hasn't had the best spring stats-wise. His ERA is an ugly 11.19, but spring stats don't mean too much come October.
"I worry about getting my pitches in and getting ready for the season," Dempster said. "Spring games matter, but in the grand scheme of things, they don't matter. My job is to ensure that I'm ready for the season."
Dempster said the big keys for him are being healthy for the first time in quite awhile.
"Being healthy is a big thing," he said. "Last year was tough on me both physically and mentally. To be back this year, healthy and confident that I can make my pitches is huge."
Dempster said he's excited about getting back into the rotation.
"It's tough to see Wood and Prior down early like this, but when they get back, whatever Dusty wants, I'm ready," he said. "I love starting and I love the thought of being a closer. To me whatever helps the team win is the main thing.
"I feel like we've been here at spring training forever. We're definitely ready for the season to start and having these games mean something and start playing some games for real."
The Cubs have a few new faces this year. Gone are outfielders Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou as well as starting pitcher Matt Clement. But Dempster feels the club is poised for a run at the central division title.
"It's a fresh start for us and a fresh start for them," Dempster said. "I feel really good about this club. Our division is going to be very tough. St. Louis is always a contender, Cincinnati has made some big upgrades and Milwaukee and Pittsburgh always play us tough. We're going to have to be ready every day we come to the ballpark. This is the time we live for. Opening day is here and we're raring to go."
