The Cubs have re-engaged the Dodgers in trade talk involving star righthanded pitcher Ryan Dempster, since Dempster has not yet accepted a deal to the Braves, sources tell CBSSports.com.
The Cubs and Braves had agreed on a trade to send Dempster to Atlanta for pitching prospect Randall Delgado, but Dempster has 10-and-5 veto rights, leaving the Cubs with little choice but to consider the original option -- the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sources say Dempster has told people he would approve a trade to the Dodgers. It was originally thought Dempster would OK the Braves as well, as they were believed to be his "second'' choice. However, with him not giving his approval more than a day after the trade was consummated, the Cubs may be forced to try to forge a trade with the Dodgers.
After the Cubs and Braves agreed on the swap yesterday of Dempster for Delgado, with the assumption Dempster would OK his "second'' choice, it was reported in multiple media outlets that a deal was going to go down to send Dempster to Atlanta. However, Dempster tweeted "there is no deal,'' soon after, raising doubts about whether there actually was a second choice to the Dodgers.
The Cubs liked the Braves deal and were believed not overly enamored with the Dodgers original offer. Los Angeles does have some very good pitching prospects, but apparently they weren't showing a willingness to surrender the best of them for a rental. The Dodgers would appear to be in decent bargaining position now, especially if Dempster has no "second'' choice. The Nationals and Cardinals also talked to the Cubs about Dempster, but now it's obvious why the Dodgers were considered the "favorite'' from the start.
Dempster told the Chicago media he was still thinking about the Braves option, but Cubs people also realize it might be easier just to make their best deal with the Dodgers.
Dempster is believed to like the Dodgers for a variety of reasons, including the presence of former teammate Ted Lilly.
