Dempster named Opening Day starter

[love_that_reefer]

The Cubs have named Ryan Dempster their Opening Day starter.
He gets the nod over Matt Garza, who is a superior pitcher but doesn't have the tenure in a Cubs uniform that Dempster does. It will be the second straight Opening Day nod for Dempster, who had a disastrous April last season before settling in after that. Paul Maholm will get the ball in the team's fifth game, with the No. 3 and No. 4 starters yet to be determined. Jeff Samardzjia is expected to grab one of the spots.

I am really surprised Garza is not getting the nod with the year he had last year. I understand Dempster has been there longer but that shouldn't matter when you are setting your rotation.

In other news, Rizzo was optioned down to AAA.

[Trendy Bastard]

Meh, not a fan of the decision, but oh well. No big deal.

And about Rizzo. They made it pretty clear from the get go that he'd be down in AAA for a while. I assume until around July to get another year of service from him.

[zodious]

Not Travis Wood?

[Trendy Bastard]

Man has he gotten rocked this spring. Good thing he has an option left. I wouldn't be surprised if he stays in Iowa until he's showing some promise or a couple of injuries happen.