Ryan Dempster Ready to Get Down to Work After Being Officially Introduced as Member of Red Sox (Video)

by NESN Staff on Wed, Dec 19, 2012 at 3:49PM

The Red Sox’ starting pitching was subpar in 2012, and general manager Ben Cherington is looking to make sure that isn’t the case again this season.

The Sox officially introduced Ryan Dempster at a news conference at Fenway Park on Wednesday, and Cherington was quick to point out what exactly the team saw in the right-hander that made him an offseason target.

Dempster, who went 12-8 with a 3.38 ERA in 28 starts split between the Cubs and Rangers last season, has a reputation of a workhorse. The 35-year-old eclipsed the 200-inning mark four straight seasons before tossing 173 frames last season, and that’s something that caught Cherington’s eye. The Red Sox, of course, had trouble getting quality innings out of their starters last year, so someone who is able to consistently take the ball every fifth day should be an asset to a rotation with some question marks.

Dempster said that he’s excited to join an organization like the Red Sox, as it means he’ll be pitching in front of a packed house on a nightly basis.

Check out the video above to hear more from Cherington and Dempster.