Ryan Dempster Won't Pitch In 2014
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/02/ryan-dempster-wont-pitch-in-2014.html
Ryan Dempster Won't Pitch In 2014
By Zach Links [February 16, 2014 at 9:40am CST]
Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster won't pitch in 2014 due to physical reasons and
a desire to spend more time with his kids, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX
Sports. The Red Sox are expected to place the veteran on the restricted
list, meaning that Dempster will not receive his $13.25MM salary in 2014,
according to Rosenthal (link).
“I don’t feel like I am capable of performing to the ability and standard
that I am accustomed to. 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,"
said the 36-year-old (via Twitter links). "The time is right. I’m not saying
retirement but I definitely won’t be playing this season."
Dempster's decision could have quite the reverb effect for the Red Sox. If
they place him on the restricted list as expected, the club will now have an
additional $13.25MM of breathing room with regards to the luxury tax which
would free them up to spend elsewhere. While many of this offseason's top
free agent draws are off the board, this development could pave the way for
Stephen Drew to return to Boston.