Report: Ryan Dempster Close To Being Traded To Los Angeles Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly agreed to a deal that will send starting pitcher Ryan Dempster to Los Angeles. ESPN baseball insider Jim Bowden has been all over the talks between the Cubs and Dodgers on Tuesday and reports via twitter that Dempster is indeed headed to the Dodgers as the two sides are finalizing the final details of the trade.

Considering the sensitivity of the Dempster situation, I will refrain from saying the trade between the two teasm is official until the Cubs officially announce the trade. It was one week ago today that Dempster rejected a trade to Atlanta Braves by saying he needed more time to mull his options. Though, with the Dodgers being Dempster’s preferred destination, it would seem likely that Dempster will not hesitate to accepting the trade.

Up until this point, Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano has been included in the discussions between the Cubs and Dodgers as he would join Dempster in going to Los Angeles. However, with the Dodgers acquiring Shane Victorino from the Philadelphia, it would appear that Soriano will not be joining Dempster in going to the Dodgers. The package that the Dodgers are sending to the Cubs has not disclosed yet, though, Garrett Gould and or Chris Withrow are likely headed to the Cubs in exchange for Dempster. Although, recent reports have suggested that the Cubs will send multiple players to the Dodgers ( James Russell?) in order to land Allen Webster.

The Cubs are not done making moves. It still seems likely that starting pitcher Matt Garza will be traded before the 3PM trade deadline, and the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as the leader in the clubhouse. Meanwhile, the Cubs are also trying to trade Alfonso Soriano, though the Dodgers were believed to be the best opportunity for the team to do so.

Things are heating up for the Cubs in the final hours leading up to the trade deadline, expect the Cubs make at least couple more trades. Stay clicked onto Cubbies Crib for the latest.