Sox Search and Find Dempster’s Replacement

If you haven’t heard already, news came last week from the Red Sox skipper that Ryan Dempster will not pitch in 2014. As this news came out of the dugout, many questions were asked on who would battle Doubront for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. This week that question was answered. The Red Sox officially signed starter, Chris Capuano to a 1-year contract worth $2.25 million.

Capuano is coming off a rough season with the Dodgers as he was 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA through 24 appearances. Through his career, Capuano holds a life-time record just under .500. This will also be Capuano’s first time in the American League.

In 1996, Capuano was a high school student in the Springfield, Mass. While playing in a baseball tournament, he stood on the mound at Fenway. He has now taken his childhood dream, into a reality.

As Capuano enters the Red Sox camp for the spring, he will have to face-off against Felix Doubront. Both of these pitchers tend to be up and down in their performance trends, but both have the potential to be a bottom starter. Doubront is coming off an 11-6 season with a 4.23 ERA. While that sounds like Doubront is the better option, he tends to finish off the year much weaker.

The Red Sox officially play their first major league team tomorrow as they will face the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 ET. The probables to start are going to be, Anthony Ranaudo for the Sox and Mike Pelfrey for the Twins. Spring training is finally here, be sure to tune in for all the action with the Red Sox! Go Sox!

Ryan Dempster Will Not Pitch in 2014

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/435074894259187714

Recently, Ryan Dempster went in front of the media to announce that he will not pitch in the 2014 season. Though he says this is not the end for him, many expect it may be.

“I don’t feel like I am able to perform to the best of my ability and standard I am accustomed to. I feel like it is the best interest of both the club and most importantly myself to step away from playing baseball at this time.”

For the Red Sox, this could be a good thing. While Dempster could be a quality pitcher, there are many other younger starters needing experience. With Felix Doubrount likely to take the No. 5 spot, expect to see Allen Webster get a few starts throughout the season. As the Sox will place Dempster on the restricted list they will not be forced to pay his contract for the 2014 season.

As he struggled throughout the 2013 season this could be a win for the Sox. Doubront will be able to show his young talent on the mound weekly, and Brandon Workman will also see some major league action. With so much talent on its way up, nobody in Boston is crying for Dempster to come back.

Though a young starter seems like the answer, we never know what the Sox might pull off if they want an end of the rotation pitcher. Possible pick-ups could include, Jon Garland or Chris Capuano. Garland is recovering from shoulder surgery but looks like he could be a full comeback for this season. Capuano has seen interest from the Sox a few years ago and he is coming off a very tough season but could become an average starter for the Red Sox No. 5 sport.

With Dempster taking the year off, a new question was brought up. He decided to take the season off to become healthier and spend more time with his family. We wish Ryan the best during his season off.