Ryan Dempster pitched with Portland in 1998
On Sunday Morning, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal gave the Red Sox media their first big story of Spring Training with this tweet:
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal BREAKING: Ryan Dempster will not pitch for #RedSox in 2014 due to physical reasons and his desire to spend more time with his kids.
Dempster went 4–3, 3.22 ERA in 7 starts with the Sea Dogs in 1998. In 16 Major League seasons with Florida, Cincinnati, Chicago (NL), Texas and Boston, the righty went 132–133 with a 4.35 ERA in 579 games. He closed with the Cubs between 2005–07, compiling 85 of his 87 career saves.
“I don’t feel like I am capable of performing to the ability and standard that I am accustomed to, said Dempster. I feel it’s in the best interest of both the club but most importantly myself to step away from playing baseball at this time. The time is right.”
If Dempster retries, which has not been decided, his final batter faced was in Game 1 of the 2013 World Series, striking out Matt Adams to end the game.
When informing John Farrell of decision not to pitch this year, he told him, “I guess you’ll need to find new Opening Day starter.”
The Red Sox will reportedly place Dempster on the restricted list and he will not receive his 2014 salary of $13.25 million.
Big thanks to Jason Mastrodonato for providing a photo for the blog…He tweeted this earlier.
Jason Mastrodonato @JMastrodonato Pedroia, Napoli, entire starting staff, much of the front office came outside to watch Dempster’s final press conference. He was well-liked.
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