Cubs plan to start Dempster in 2008

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry made it official Tuesday: pitcher Ryan Dempster will go from being the closer back to the starting rotation in 2008.

"We're going to give it a shot," Hendry said from Orlando, Fla., where he's attending the GM meetings. "We've told Ryan to prepare for it in the off-season. His other pitches are working. His slider is good, and his fastball is getting better."

Dempster became the full-time closer in 2005 after opening the year as a starter. This year, he saved 28 games in 31 chances. He has 87 saves for his career.

"I'm excited," Dempster said. "I look forward to being able to pitch 200 innings again. I feel I did a good job as closer."

The back end of the bullpen will include Bob Howry, Carlos Marmol and Scott Eyre. Hendry added he has talked with Kerry Wood's agent this week and hopes to make progress later this week on a new contract for Wood.