Mike Quade Sets the Tone for Cubs by Naming Ryan Dempster Opening Day Starter

Ryan Dempster, who is no more than a number two or three on most contending teams, will be the Cubs opening day starter on April 1st at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates. No, this is not an April Fool's joke.

In truth, this decision by Mike Quade is less of an endorsement for Dempster as a true number one than it is recognition of the fact that the starter with the most talent is a head case.

Still, it is fitting that the manager the Cubs decided to hire, Quade, would tab another good guy and  consistent performer in Dempster. They both may lack celebrity qualities but both have earned their lot in life and baseball.

Quade was picked by Jim Hendry to manage a big market ballclub after years of celebrity names like Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella despite a resume that had never sniffed a big league manager's office.

And he was picked over a Hall of Fame player and Cubs legend in Ryne Sandberg for the job. Recognizing that, it is easy to see the similarities in how a guy like Dempster was chosen over the bigger names on the Cubs staff.

If this is a precursor to how Quade is going to manage this club, then I'm all for it. If he is willing to look Zambrano's ego in the eye and scoff at the notion of a seventh consecutive opening day starting assignment, then what he is really saying to the team carries much more weight. 

In truth, he is telling the rest of the team that he doesn't care what your name is or how many zeroes are on your contract, you will be treated based on performance and nothing more.

How refreshing if that turns out to be true.

Carlos Zambrano may have finished 2010 with an 8-0 record, but that does not forgive the sins from the first part of the season. Big Z was a big baby who stomped around and held his breath until he turned blue in the face and guess what?

He still didn't get what he wanted.

Look, that's how you discipline children: you create consequences for their actions. Likewise, this is how you handle a bully: by standing up to him.

In one fell swoop, Quade did both.

No, Dempster isn't a great pitcher but he is a solid clubhouse guy and teammate who gives his all and acts his age. Sure, he can be a clown, but in a good way.

He loosens the clubhouse; he does not try to tear it apart.

Meanwhile, Matt Garza is the new kid on the block and has to earn his stripes. He may very well end up being the Cubs top starter this year, but he doesn't deserve the opening day start.

That job belongs to Ryan Dempster. And like Mike Quade, he's earned it.