DeRosa set to make spring debut

Mar 10, 2008 - 4:29 PM MARYVALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- After being sidelined due to an irregular heartbeat, Chicago Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa is ready to make his spring debut.

DeRosa will play his first Cactus League game of the season on Monday, when the Cubs face the Milwaukee Brewers.

"I feel fine," DeRosa told the team's web site. "I'm ready to be one of the guys."

The 33-year-old infielder was taken to a Mesa hospital on February 25 after experiencing an irregular heartbeat during drills.

DeRosa was first diagnosed with the condition as a teenager but he told the Cubs that it had been happening with more frequency.

On February 27, he flew to Chicago to undergo a procedure in which a catheter was inserted into his leg in the groin area. DeRosa rejoined the Cubs last week but was not allowed to play in any games until his leg healed.

"I don't see it being a problem anymore," he said. "I don't see any reason to prolong it. We've listened to the doctors, and (manager) Lou (Piniella) and the coaches have listened to the team doctors and the surgeon. I feel good."

DeRosa was the Cubs' most versatile players last season - his first in Chicago - and batted .293 with 10 home runs and 72 RBI in 149 games.