Dempster Walks Away Leaving $13M On Table

Chick Frasco @ChickFrasco

Citing a lack of preparedness--both mentally and physically--Boston Red Sox' starting pitcher Ryan Dempster announced Sunday that he will sit out the entire 2014 season.

In 2013, Dempster had a mediocre season statistically ( 8-9 with a 4.57 ERA), but his ability to make his regular starts and eat innings made the 36-year old righty a valuable asset to the Red Sox.

With raised expectations for 2014, Dempster arrived in camp ahead of his shocking announcement that he would forego the 2014 season, leaving $13.25 million in salary on the table.

“I don’t feel like I am capable of performing to the ability and standard that I am accustomed to,” Dempster told Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. “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. The time is right. I’m not saying retirement but I definitely won’t be playing this season.”

Now, Boston will begin Spring Training with huge question marks surrounding the depth of their starting rotation.  Jon Lester and John Lackey are entering a contract years, and Jake Peavy has a player option for 2015 ($15 million - performance dependent). All had respectable 2013 seasons, but looming free agency could become a distraction for all three.

Durability has always been an issue for Co-Ace Clay Buchholz.  When he is on the field, he's one of the most effective pitchers in the game.  He put together a 12-1 record with a sub-2 ERA in 2013, but he was only healthy enough to make 16 starts.

Felix Doubront has shown flashes of brilliance, but the 25-year old lefty is highly inconsistent.

Look for the Sox to make a few moves early in Spring Training to help bolster their rotation.

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