Ryan Dempster’s performance last night against the New York Yankees only fueled the argument for fans doubting that he can be a dominant pitcher in the American League. Dempster gave up nine hits and eight runs (two homers) in six innings of work last night in the Bronx.
Dempster was acquired by the Texas Rangers on July 31st with only minutes remaining before MLB’s trade deadline.
The two-time All-Star was having a strong season with the Chicago Cubs, but the switch to the AL has suddenly changed all of that. Granted, in Dempster’s three starts since joining the AL, he has faced the Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. However, those are the kind of lineups a starting pitcher can expect to face start after start in the heavy hitting AL.
Dempster currently has an 8.31 ERA, giving up 24 hits, and 16 earned runs in the 17.1 innings pitched this month. His total ERA through 19 starts this season is still a respectable 3.12, with 99 strikeouts, and a 1.14 WHIP....
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August 14, 2012
