Dempster deserved 5-game suspension

Perhaps Mike Imrem was totally serious supporting Ryan Dempster’s efforts to plunk Alex Rodriguez with a “purpose” pitch on Sunday night baseball.

First of all, if Dempster was acting on his own for whatever reason, he gave the Yankees a great big wake up call which Manager Joe Girardi can use in rousing the Bronx Bombers to shake off their injuries and make the AL playoffs.

Second, if you’re trying to nail a hitter, you do it with one try. Dempster came inside three times before hitting Rodriguez with pitch number four.

The great “purpose pitch” hurlers in times past — Gibson, Ryan, etc. must be chuckling over Dempster’s misdirection.

Dempster’s denials and those of his manager, John Farrell, that he was actually throwing at Rodriguez, were worse than stupid. Dempster deserves his five-game suspension. He’ll miss at least one start, something the Red Sox may sorely regret.

Dean Dranias

Aurora