Ryan Dempster Could Help a Slumping Boston Red Sox Rotation

With the July 31 trade deadline roughly a month and a half away, the Boston Red Sox got a great first-hand look at a pitcher they should target, Ryan Dempster.

Dempster, opposing Daisuke Matsuzaka in Friday’s series opener, threw seven innings of shutout baseball against the Boston offense. He allowed just four hits, struck out three and walked two, picking up his third win of the season.

Dempster has been one of the bright spots in a very disappointing season for the Chicago Cubs. In 13 starts, he’s 3-3 with nearly a 2.00 ERA, 69 strikeouts, 24 walks and opponents hitting close to .200 against him. The problem for Dempster in Chicago is the lack of run support, forcing him to pitch lights out to earn a victory.

According to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com, team president Theo Epstein and Dempster recently talked about potential trades involving the right-hander. CBS Sports' Danny Knobler reports many baseball executives believe that Dempster will be traded, and a deal could come before the all-star break.

Dempster could be what the Boston rotation needs to get going in the right direction. Josh Beckett and Felix Doubront have been the highlights of the rotation, while Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz have had an up and down season. Daniel Bard was a complete failure, and now Daisuke Matsuzaka is trying to permanently secure his spot.

There is one major issue with acquiring Dempster, his salary. Even though he’ll be a free agent after this season, Dempster is scheduled to make $14 million this season.

Boston doesn’t really have the extra payroll to take on Dempster’s salary so a move involving a moderately-paid player might have to be included.

The Cubs’ haven't expressed any interest in Kevin Youkilis, but he’s set to make $12 million this year and could be a good fit in Chicago. Then again, Theo Epstein might not want anything to do with Youkilis.

I’m not sure if Boston's general manager Ben Cherington was at the game today, but owner John Henry was, and saw how well Dempster pitched. Hopefully he relays the message to Cherington so he can try to work out a deal.