Happy 36th!

Today we wish a very happy 36^th birthday to Ryan Dempster!

It’s not often that we get to wish an active player a happy 36^th birthday, so this is pretty exciting. Dempster was one of the many off-season acquisitions the Red Sox made this year. While not a splashy signing, he was exactly what the Red Sox were looking for. A good value guy, who has a history of success. As Dempster’s career .500 record would indicate, success is sometimes a relative term.

Dempster’s not going to be the ace of the staff. That’s OK though, because the Sox already have one of those. Two of those, really. But, if you’re looking for a number three starter, he fits the bill perfectly. He’ll give you a couple hundred innings, and his numbers won’t embarrass anybody.

And, that’s exactly what the Sox have gotten from him. His record this season is right on his career pace, while his numbers have actually been better than that. Looks like a solid signing.

The question comes from the future. Dempster is signed through 2014. The entire rotation, then, is signed through 2014 (assuming the keep resigning Doubront). With kids like Alan Webster apparently knocking on the door, you have to wonder if Dempster will find himself elsewhere.

But, for now we get to enjoy his time in a Sox uniform. It’s a nice luxury to not dread your number three starter being on the mound. When Dempster’s out there, I think the Sox have a chance to win. Really, that’s all I’m looking for.

Happy 36^th Birthday Ryan Dempster!