Dempster Better Than Record
Ryan Dempster is quietly putting together another strong season.
He made his 30th start on Wednesday night against Cincinnati, is on pace for 200-plus innings (176.2) and has fanned 169 batters vs. 64 walks.
If there’s any glaring weakness at all, it’s having issued 20 home runs. Otherwise, Demps is earning every bit of his $13.5M salary.
Despite going winless over his last five starts, Dempster is pitching better than his (10-11) record indicates.
He’s allowed 3 ER or less in seven of his last eight outings, but has fallen victim to the staff’s worst run support–4.32 runs per game. That equals two runs or less of support in nearly half his starts (14), which is tough on any starter.
With four more starts this season Dempster can match his total from last season (34). Although his 15 wins from a year ago is out of reach, give him two wins in his last four starts and he finishes the campaign with 12 victories.
Not bad for a starter whose team is on pace for 90-plus losses.
