Ryan Dempster News Conference Live Blog: Veteran Excited to Join 'Storied Organization'

Ryan Dempster News Conference Live Blog: Veteran Excited to Join ‘Storied Organization’

by NESN Staff on Wed, Dec 19, 2012 at 1:24PM

2:50 p.m.: Once again, we end with a Napoli question. There’s nothing new to report, Cherington says. So that’s where that’s at.

That’s all for the news conference. Be sure to tune in to NESN Daily on Wednesday night for more reaction from Ryan Dempster’s introduction to Boston.

2:49 p.m.: Dempster on Mike Napoli: ”He’s one of the best teammates I had in my two months with Texas. ”

2:48 p.m.: Dempster: ”I came here because I believe this team has as much chance of winning as anybody else. … That’s why we play. That’s why I play.”

2:47 p.m.: The biggest test for pitchers in the AL, Dempster says, is maintaining focus. He says that since the lineups are deeper and the pitcher doesn’t hit, it’s vital to remain focused when trying to work through lineups.

2:44 p.m.: Dempster says he’s not against helping younger pitchers, and says he’ll always be there “to pick somebody up” if need be. He said that the three years he spent with Greg Maddux as a teammate were “as valuable a three years as I’ve had in my life.

2:41 p.m.: Cherington says that signing an arm like Dempster helps the club add “durability” to the pitching staff.

Dempster says that guys like Kevin Millar, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz have talked about how good it is to play in Boston.

“Other guys who have talked about the good experiences is what excited me. … As an opposing player, it can almost be intimidating at times. To be on the other side is going to be a lot of fun.

2:41 p.m.: On his durability and consistently hitting the 200-inning mark each season, Dempster says it’s something he’s expected to do as a starter who only takes the ball every fifth day.

“I pride myself on contributing as much as I can. “

2:40 p.m.: Dempster on pitching in general: “The one nice part for us is when you walk through those doors, it’s just a baseball game. We’ve been playing since we were 4 years old. I try to keep it simple as that. … Stuff on the outside, things out of your control, you can’t do much about them. If you can keep your focus, make your pitches and [execute] your pitches, [you can have success].”

2:39 p.m.: Dempster says it’s “very exciting” to come to Boston, saying it was a team he had was “very excited” to hear had interest in him upon finally reaching free agency.

He’s excited about what Ben Cherington has been able to do this offseason, not just in terms of “numbers on paper,” but in adding a good mix of good clubhouse guys.

2:36 p.m.: Dempster is quickly asked about making the transition into the AL.

He says the key is to execute pitches.

“I’m very aware that AL East is very tough decision to pitch. If you go out there and make the pitches and execute, it won’t matter who you’re pitching against or where you’re pitching. “

2:34 p.m.: Dempster is going old school. He’s going to put the jersey on to begin his part of the news conference. Interesting move.

He’s excited to join a “storied organization” and is “just looking to go out there and do my part.”

2:32 p.m.: Here is what Ben Cherington had to say to begin the news conference.

“We went into this offseason wanting to add a proven starter to the rotation, someone who has a history of success and reliability and someone who would embrace coming to and pitching in Boston. … We think Ryan is the perfect guy to do that. “

2:27 p.m.: We’re about five minutes away from the scheduled start time for the news conference. Be sure to tune into NESN for live coverage of the presser.

2:22 p.m.: The move is now official, as the Red Sox have also sent out a press release announcing the signing.

Dempster, of course, gets added to the 40-man roster, which means there must be a corresponding move. The Red Sox have designated pitcher Pedro Beato for assignment to clear room for Dempster on the 40-man.

Beato was acquired from the Mets in August as the player to be named later from the Mets in the Kelly Shoppach trade. He made four appearances with the Sox down the stretch, working 7 2/3 innings and posting a 4.70 ERA.

1:10 p.m. ET: The Red Sox have had a busy offseason thus far, and while they’re not done yet, they’re ready to make one of their signings official.

The Sox will hold a news conference on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. to formally introduce right-hander Ryan Dempster. The Sox signed the 35-year-old to a two-year deal reportedly worth $26.5 million last week.

The 35-year-old right-hander will be making his fifth stop in the big leagues after stints with the Marlins, Reds, Cubs and Rangers. He was traded from the Cubs to the Rangers in July right before the trade deadline, making only 12 starts with Texas. It marked his first experience in the American League after spending more than a decade pitching in the National League.

And if you’re a curious soul wondering what it will look like to have Dempster in the Red Sox clubhouse, you’re a little weird. However, the Red Sox can hook you up. Here’s a picture they tweeted this afternoon.