Yesterday, the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs agreed in principle to a deal that would send veteran starter Ryan Dempster to the Braves.
That was Monday, and now on Tuesday, the clubs still stand where they stood yesterday at this time.
Dempster, 35, can veto any proposed trade, but it was originally thought he would accept a trade to Atlanta. According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Dempster will not accept a trade to Atlanta–yet. Also according to Rosenthal, the Los Angeles Dodgers are Dempster’s first choice, then followed by the Braves.
Delgadao, 22, is 4-9 with a 4.22 ERA in 2012 through 17 starts. According to Baseball America, Delgado entered the 2012 season as the 46th best prospect in MLB. Delgado is most likely more than what the Dodgers were able to offer in return for Dempster.
According to Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago, Dempster plans on pitching for the Cubs tomorrow afternoon against the Pirates. “I have a pretty good idea of where I want to go.”- Dempster, courtesy of Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.
If Dempster were to veto a trade to the Braves, they would lose a considerable amount of leverage over the Dodgers. If Dempster rejects the trade to the Braves, look for the Cubs to try and get other teams involved in the Dempster sweepstakes. Even if the Cubs do not get real interest from other teams, there will surely be a “mystery team” or two, just to drive the price up on the pitcher.
Also According to Ken Rosenthal, Dempster most likely wants to be traded to a team on the west coast. Dempster is from Gibsons, British Columbia and has family in the Vancouver area.
Other west coast clubs that have expressed interest in acquiring starting pitching would be the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels. Just because Dempster seems interested in west coast teams, does not mean he absolutely has to go to one though.
Dempster’s contract is up after this season, and whatever team trades for him now, most likely will not resign him in the offseason, unless of course it is his dream landing spot. It is still conceivable that the Braves or another east coast team could still make a run for Dempster, as the starter seems willing to wait this out until next Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The Nationals, Pirates, Yankees, Indians and White Sox have all been rumored to be looking for pitching as well.
Late today Dempster says he will take his time to consider the matter, perhaps much of next week, and blames the media for the confusion. We will report more details as they become available.
Dempster says he’s considering his “options,” and will take his time to make a decision. Sez Cubs did not “blindside” him, but media did.
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) July 24, 2012
