Back to basics

Lou Piniella announced in yesterday’s post-game press conference that he would be returning Alfonso Soriano to the leadoff spot. That lineup debuts today, with the hopes that it sticks:

Soriano, LF

Theriot, SS

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Fukudome, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Soto, C

Pie, CF

Dempster, RHP

The Brewers will throw out right-hander Dave Bush.

Rotation rewind

Ryan Dempster makes his first start since May 4, 2005, when he took a no-decision against the Brewers. Ryan has been training since the end of last season for this switch to a starting role, and he made seven spring starts, going 3-1 with a 4.74 ERA, 22 strikeouts and 11 walks in 24.2 innings. Lou rewarded him with the No. 3 slot between the team’s two left-handers.

Dempster career as a starter went 51-58 with a 4.99 ERA from 1998-2005. There’s a good opportunity for him and the rest of the team to step up today.