Cactus League

Ryan Dempster will pitch for the Cubs on opening day for the Cactus League on February 28. Carlos Zambrano and Jason Marquis will start in games two and three. Dempster has worked as a Cub closer for the last three seasons. He says he's eager to get back into the Cub rotation. Cactus League games are played in nine different stadiums in seven Arizona cities. Twelve major league teams will compete.

Ryan Dempster

Closer Ryan Dempster has a strained left oblique and has been placed on the disabled list. This is bad news, but in my new-found optimism about all things Cubbie, I want to reassure my loyal readers that Dempster will be better within a day or two.

Any team that can perform magic the way the Cubs did against the Rocks on Monday can surely find a miracle cure for its star closer.

Meanwhile, while waiting for the snake oil to cure Dempster, the Cubs have called up Billy Petrick from Double-A Tennessee. Most of you have never heard of Billy Petrick. Get ready for a treat. I've never heard of him either, but with all the magic floating around Wrigley, Petrick will prevent any long drives that might trouble the ivy.

Give Credit to the Cubbies

The Cubs looked good with the win against the Chicago White Sox today. Let's give credit where credit is due. The Cubs don't often give us the chance.

Barrett hit the ball instead of Pierzynski. Angel Pagan fouled up while running the bases, but hit a crucial triple in the seventh inning. Ted Lilly pitched a good game. And Ryan Dempster looked like a perfect machine as he closed the ninth.

Great job, guys. Give us something to cheer about tomorrow.