The Red Sox, Brewers and Angels are all pursuing free agent starting pitcher Ryan Dempster, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported Thursday.
Dempster, 35, turned in a good overall season in 2012. He recorded a 3.38 ERA and a 2.94 K/BB, his best marks in four years. However, he struggled after a deadline deal to Texas. After posting a 2.25 ERA in 16 starts as a Cub, Dempster allowed 10 home runs and had a 5.09 ERA in 12 starts as a Ranger.
Apparently the issue of changing leagues isn't an issue for the Red Sox and Angels, although both play in signficantly easier pitchers' parks than Texas's Ballpark in Arlington. The Brewers experienced Dempster's National League success first hand -- since converting back to a starter for the Cubs in 2008, Demspter has a 3.74 ERA (114 ERA+) in just less than 1,000 innings.
The Brewers and Angels have a common rotation opening from the departures of Zack Greinke. The Red Sox didn't get an above-average year from a single member of their starting rotation last season according to ERA+ -- and although they are committed to Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront, any productive pitcher will be welcome at Fenway.
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