Ryan Dempster

Wearing a pattern fashioned from my grandma's throw pillow, Ryan Dempster boarded a plane for St. Louis. 

Really, you don't need a runway when there is a charter flight to Game 3 of the World Series to utilize. Dressed in the season's most stunning and fashion-forward suit, Dempster moved the conversation of plaid into baseball's consciousness where it belongs. 

If Major League Baseball is trying to send Ryan Dempster a message, it's not doing a great job.

The Boston Red Sox pitcher hit New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in the second inning of a game between the bitter rivals on Sunday, resulting in a five-game suspension for Dempster:

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster decided to practice vigilante justice on Sunday night when he threw at New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

UPDATE: Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 7:22 p.m. ET

While the Chicago Cubs didn’t head into the 2013 season with the expectation that this would definitely be a rebuilding season, they knew it was at least a reasonable possibility—one that’s looking more likely after an 8-14 start.

Ryan Dempster hasn't reached an agreement with an MLB team yet this offseason, but it's not like he hasn't had his chances. 

According to ESPN, Dempster rejected a two-year deal from the Boston Red Sox on Friday night:

The MLB trade deadline wasn't uneventful, but it lacked its signature dramatic flair. A handful of teams made moves to benefit their playoff picture, but not all of these will pan out in the end.

Factors have to be considered when picking up a new player. A change of scenery can have a negative, as well as a positive, impact. A new ballpark can impact their productivity, and their new teammates may not lend the same comfort as their previous home did.

Just before the 4:00 non-waiver trade deadline, the Texas Rangers made their biggest move by acquiring Ryan Dempster from the Cubs for two minor leaguers.

The move came after the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim traded for Zack Greinke over the weekend and after learning that Neftali Feliz will have Tommy John surgery.

Could Ryan Dempster actually be the best player traded prior to the 2012 MLB Trade Deadline? According to David Schoenfield of ESPN.com, that may be the case. 

Ryan Dempster was Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade's biggest supporter last season, openly lobbying for Quade to get the interim tag removed from his title. But perhaps he's second-guessing himself now.

The WGN cameras caught Dempster and Quade in a heated argument after Quade informed the Cubs starter that he was being lifted for a pinch-hitter after the fifth inning.

Ryan Dempster was a roller coaster ride last year. Check out his ERA by month:

April: 2.75
May: 4.54
June: 3.24
July: 5.03
August: 2.89
September/October: 4.59

This year Dempster started off in the outhouse with a 9.58 ERA in April. He then went 3-1 with a 3.08 ERA in May and 1-2 with a 3.13 ERA in June. I wouldn’t quite call that the penthouse, but he has his numbers at least looking respectable at 5-6 with a 4.99 ERA and 1.41 WHIP.