CHICAGO, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs will use Ryan Dempster in game one of the National League Division Series next week, bypassing Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly.
Dempster, a former closer, blossomed in his starter's role this season, compiling a 17-6 record in 32 starts (201 2/3 innings) before his start against Milwaukee Friday evening.
"It's been a fun year," Dempster said on the Cubs' Web site after Manager Lou Piniella made the announcement Thursday night. "I'm hoping to be pitching late into October sometime, maybe right before Halloween. That would be kind of cool. Whatever the situation, I'm looking forward to it. You have a nice pick of the litter to choose anybody. I've always said one of the biggest things about our team is the depth of our team."
"(Dempster) deserves it," Piniella said. "He's been extremely consistent and reliable all season long."
The NL Central Division champions will know their NLDS opponent when the regular season ends this weekend.
