Wren says Dempster deal now ‘highly unlikely’

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293 comments Add your comment

Sam Bishtonkiki

July 25th, 2012
3:27 pm

Braves win! Braves win! Braaaaaves win!

Yogi Berra

July 25th, 2012
3:27 pm

275 BA..is what it is.

Go Jackets

July 25th, 2012
3:27 pm

Why isnt that idjit Gonzo putting medlin in the rotation?…..

TechMate

July 25th, 2012
3:32 pm

Dump Dempster. Good riddance. I say sit tight and let our young pitchers mature but certainly don’t give away the farm b/c it’s Chipper’s last year. Stay the course, Frank Wren.

Clyde

July 25th, 2012
3:40 pm

Ryan who ? What a chump

Nikko

July 25th, 2012
3:42 pm

Hanson, Jurrjens & Uggla to Marlins for Josh Johnson

The Walrus

July 25th, 2012
3:45 pm

Jon Lester? People really want the Braves to trade for Jon Lester?

dean

July 25th, 2012
3:47 pm

37,000 showed up for a mid-week day game in Miami? What were the freebies today?

Columbus

July 25th, 2012
3:47 pm

Dempster has other considerations that many players dont have and playing for a playoff contender is not his top priority and so if he decides to stay with the Cubs and not go anywhere, I say good for him putting himself aside for his family. Thats part of being a man and leader of the family. He might love to go pitch for the Braves and in the playoffs but it might not be a good situation for his family. He has things to look into and has only had a couple days to collect info, primarily him and his wife being comfortable with his childs healthcare. He is putting things first that should come first and pitching for a contender is not the top priority in his case.

I applaud him for taking his time and making sure everything will be OK and as many of you do not know, one of the very top rated childrens hospitals is in LA and while Atlanta has fantastic ones, their not as good as in LA. Wouldnt you want your child to have the very best care if you had that option? Would you rather go to LA or Atlanta if you had that possibilty? LA is tied for first, has better childrens health care, better weather and many more attractions and features, beaches, Hollywood, Disneyland, close to Hawaii, many things not available in the Atlanta area. Did I mention the weather?

So lighten up on Dempster. He has a tough decision and research to do and prayers to make…

Abnerish

July 25th, 2012
3:52 pm

Looks like Medlen just got stretched out again today. 46 pitches today. I think he could go 60-70 after given 4 days rest. As I type this, FSN reports that Fredi said Medlen is a candidate to replace Jurrjens.

Fun Size

July 25th, 2012
3:52 pm

Who needs him, he didn’t want to be in ATL anyway…. good riddance!!

Jaded

July 25th, 2012
3:53 pm

Yes! Medlen going into the rotation. That’s a HUGE upgrade over Jurrjens.

TB

July 25th, 2012
3:56 pm

I’ll say it again, Wren needs to explore the possibility of getting King Felix from Seattle.

semiballcoach

July 25th, 2012
3:57 pm

bob fekkers corpse would be an ugrade over jj

Yogi Berra

July 25th, 2012
3:58 pm

Columbus..good try but the main reason he’s not coming to Braves is he wanted to play for DODGER. He may change his mine when he finds out Dodger don’t want him bad enough to pay the price. Yes he has family problems but who don’t and 14 millon will provide that care needed for child.

Southpaw

July 25th, 2012
3:59 pm

Josh Johnson looks like a good fit for Alanta. Make some serious offers. Also, Hunter Pence is that right-handed bat we need. Both players costly, but a power pitcher and a five-tool outfielder who leads by attitude and actions. Win. Win. Those two could take us all the way. We have the farm system that can do this. Moving on from Dempster is wise. I do understand Dempster’s rerservations because of family. Hope he gets his wish, but don’t think the Dodgers will give up more now that they have taken on the baggage-heavy, expensive Hanley Ramirez. Anyway, get us an ace Frank!

Yogi Berra

July 25th, 2012
4:00 pm

Oh, Cubs can keep him. I’d rather have Delgado.

OTP

July 25th, 2012
4:01 pm

Man, is Hanson scary…and lucky.

Chuck from Waycross

July 25th, 2012
4:05 pm

Why would he want to come to Atlanta? Bad fanbase, too hot, history of choking…I’d stay with the Cubs too.

Yogi Berra

July 25th, 2012
4:06 pm

That Eliz on Sportssouth is Uggla….

Jeff

July 25th, 2012
4:07 pm

Columbus- They also have earthquakes. Just had one this morning in fact.

59bulldawg

July 25th, 2012
4:07 pm

Thank you Dempster for saving us from Wren’s stupidity! A top prospect for a two month rental? What the hell was he thinking?

Tumbledown

July 25th, 2012
4:07 pm

I agree TB. All hail King Felix!!

Yogi Berra

July 25th, 2012
4:08 pm

Hey you Ware Co. Gator when was the last time Chic won anything?

Bobby Cox's Jockstrap

July 25th, 2012
4:09 pm

Wow! No Dempster! Doesn’t matter, as with the falcons, if the braves make the playoffs, they’re out in round one. And no one cares.

UNCBrave

July 25th, 2012
4:17 pm

Trade for GREINKE…What do you think of this DOB?

Of note, Greinke is said to be an admirer of the Angels and Braves organizations. If he is traded to one of those places, the team may have an advantage in trying to re-sign him after the season.</i?

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/milwaukee-brewers-zack-greinke-strong-return-ups-trade-value-trade-deadline-072412

Joey

July 25th, 2012
4:18 pm

Columbus, could you maybe move to LA?

Thanks in advance . . .

TexanBrave

July 25th, 2012
4:19 pm

Maybe it’s cause I’m in Astro-land with the biggest sell-off of all time but I’m pretty optimistic for the Braves…………. I see a team with a day off, 10 day home stand ahead of them………….Nats play something like 14 of next 20 on the road to include heading west and a DH in the mix….. Bats will be OK if keep Uggla down the card a bit and everyone stays healthy during the dog-days……………..Need to be 2 back when we face the Nats again in August….maybe with a RH bat and a solid starter in the mix…….

Tumbledown

July 25th, 2012
4:20 pm

Chuck – Luckily, the Cubs have a history of post season success and not choking. Oh wait . . . curses of the Billy Goat, Black Cat, and Bartman!! No WS wins in over 100 years. At least the weather in Chicago is nice all year round. Oh wait . . .

Seriously, Chicago is a great city.

IlliniBrave

July 25th, 2012
4:20 pm

Dumpster’s meltdown hissy-fit after getting pulled today just cements Wren’s decision to move on.

dean

July 25th, 2012
4:28 pm

Dayum Clemson.

Vesaversa

July 25th, 2012
4:28 pm

I would have loved to see Dempster in a Brave uniform but i didn’t like the way he have reacted to this trade . The Braves are a top Baseball team have been for years who have won more game and pennants than either the Dodgers and Cubs put together in the last decade .So it’s Dempster lost .I hope the Braves doesn’t make a trade for Johnson with Miami why give them more of our better pitchers for one of their it make no sense .

Clemson Legends

July 25th, 2012
4:28 pm

Why do the Braves push their top prospects so fast?

P. Frond

July 25th, 2012
4:28 pm

It seems to me that we need another starting pitcher.

FBGuy

July 25th, 2012
4:33 pm

Go write a book. ClemsonLegend and please keep that long entry away…
Re: Dempster: Let’s not trade for him. The guy is 35, has a lifetime losing record (117-121) and an ERA of 4.30. He’s not a No. 1, and we already have lots of 2s and 3s.

yep

July 25th, 2012
4:38 pm

how about moving Medlen to the rotation and then going after a quality releiver on the trade market?

bvillebaron

July 25th, 2012
4:38 pm

I saw where Ken Rosenthal tweeted that Greinke holds the Angels and Braves organizations in high regard and speculated that he might sing an extension with either. Even though I was critical of the Texeira fiasco, I think they ought to at least explore this possibility. The team needs a legtimiate No. 1 and he fits the bill and is still fairly young.

As far as Dempster goes, good riddance. While I respect his right to veto the trade, the guy has never been any better than a number 3 starter during his career and has an ERA above 4.00. He has the best 3 months of his career and all of a sudden he acts like he is the second coming of Sandy Koufax. Don’t let the you know what hit you on the you know what on the way out Ryan.

Joey

July 25th, 2012
4:38 pm

“Seriously, Chicago is a great city.”
*******************************
It’s THE destination now for folks intent on committing suicide. Odds are better for you getting murdered while strolling downtown Chicago, than jumping off the Empire State Bldg.

steve

July 25th, 2012
4:46 pm

The trade for Dempster should not happen period, use to think Wren new what he was doing until I heard Delgado for Dempster Dempster is too old and is not a frontline pitcher but more like a no.3 in the rotation type of pitcher, if you don”t believe me then you should of heard the Chicago sports radio people laughing about us thinking Dempster was worthy of trading a great young pitching prospect in Delgado, remember the Adam Wainwright trade as this one would be just as bad, Delgado is worth a no.1 starter period and if we would get our head out of our as-es we have a player pitching in the bull-pen that will give us great starting pitching if given a fair chance( Medlen) , he was a very good starting pitcher before his injury and I know he can do the job.
Trade only for a no.1 ace pitcher and a good right handed bat that can play outfield and only that will make us a much better team.

Jerry Seinfeld

July 25th, 2012
4:52 pm

Go get James Shields if the Rays will trade him.

Dawg Haus

July 25th, 2012
4:58 pm

I’ve been on the “start Medlen” bandwagon since he got injured in 2010. Dempster stuck his nose up (or whatever) at the Braves, JJ is struggling mightily and Medlen comes in and makes Hanson look like a minor leaguer. When will the guy get his spot in the rotation back?

PaulieOldSchool

July 25th, 2012
5:01 pm

Good. This is GREAT news to me. That POS didn’t want to come to the ATL, we don’t want him anyway. We don’t need any more rentals, ever!

Dawg Haus

July 25th, 2012
5:03 pm

Hanson said it so himself, “He made it look so easy. I’m sitting here like, ‘I suck. I’m NOT good right now.’” Start Medlen!!

Harmon

July 25th, 2012
5:06 pm

It would serve him right if the braves do move on and the dodgers still don’t make a trade. He can stay with the cubs and suffer the rest of the season. hahaha.

Jerry Seinfeld

July 25th, 2012
5:09 pm

If you’re gonna start Medlen, please trade for a middle reliever! Medlen is the only good middle reliever we have and does anyone remember what happened to our bullpen while Medlen was in AAA? The Yankees and others lit the other guys up.

Tumbledown

July 25th, 2012
5:14 pm

Joey – Your post makes little sense. You seem to think that Chicago is the destination spot for suicide. Then, you write there are better odds on getting murdered in Chicago (murder does not equal suicide) then jumping off New York’s Empire State Building.

Do you have any sources for whatever you are trying to convey?

chris

July 25th, 2012
5:24 pm

I hope Dempster goes 0-20 with Chicago rest of way – he had a good offer to come to a contender and basically stuck his middle finger up – walk on down the line and get someone else. Marlins Johnson would be an awesome pickup!

Peter

July 25th, 2012
5:25 pm

What about a trade for a guy who can hit and play 2nd base ?

chris

July 25th, 2012
5:26 pm

Harmon
July 25th, 2012
5:06 pm

It would serve him right if the braves do move on and the dodgers still don’t make a trade. He can stay with the cubs and suffer the rest of the season. hahaha.

Couldnt have said it better myself- Good post Harmon…and I hope he does suffer..Theo Epstein has no answers for this miserable organization anytime in the near future…then next year when no one wants to sign Dempster and he comes begging Atlanta to do so show him the same courtesy..he could have gotten a decent deal here with a huge amount of contract money coming off the books…im not happy at the way he did us I really am not…He could have helped us yes but you know its not end of world if we dont get him- there are other solutions out there..

jharber

July 25th, 2012
5:31 pm

Why does no one see the trade we need to make, Uggla to cubs for Rafael Soriano. Prado to second Soriano to left field. Money would be the same, seriously upgrade the lineup.

Tim

July 25th, 2012
5:34 pm

I support moving Medlen to the starting rotation. He should have been in it since the beginning of the year. Our rotation should be Hudson, Sheets, Medlen, Minor, Hanson. Move Delgado into the long relief spot and use him during blow out games like this one to get adjusted.

Our relief corps from the 7th inning on should be – Durbin, O’Flaherty and Kimbrel. If we need anyone before the 7th inning, use Delgado, Venters and Martinez.

Frank Wren could really help this club by bringing in some middle relief help and then look for a power RH bat for the outfield.

Sit Uggla and move Prado to 2B. Use the RH power bat in LF and only use Uggla when we need a pinch hitter or to give Prado a day off.

Our best starting line-up consists of Bourn, Prado, Heyward, Jones, Freeman, McCann, RH bat ?, Janish. However, until I got the RH power bat I would use Constanza in LF. At least he creates havoc when he gets on base.

Peter

July 25th, 2012
5:35 pm

Really folks….. Why come to a team that has regularly choked at the end of the season ?

Look at the reality, we are a second tier team….. Pitching not so hot, hitting OK….. but in crunch time ……….. would you bet you hard earned money on the Braves ?

If not …….then why would an outsider looking in want to come here ?

Do you all honestly think Uggla is going to start hitting ? We will have him after Wren is gone.

Chipper will not get hurt ?

Bourne is going to re-sign here ?

The third base replacement is another fat slow guy.

Please….. Frank Wren has made a mess of this team…… why would you come here .. unless you are done and want to retire where it is warm ?

Peter

July 25th, 2012
5:40 pm

Hey steve . what were those moves that had you thinking Wren knew what he was doing ?

Seriously ???? The Lowe deal ? Kawakami deal ? Tex deal ? The Bourn rental ? Trading away Blanco for Ankiel ?

Busting up a club that was leading the division after the All-Star break a few years ago ?

Just interested to know.

Parker

July 25th, 2012
5:48 pm

The Marlins wont give up JJ…end of story.

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
5:48 pm

Why on earth would Wren be interested in Lester or Shields, neither are any better than Minor or Delgado and the latter are both very young and under our control for a long time, Lester has really bombed his last 3 starts pitching only 4 innings in each game while allowing a total of 21 earned runs. Sheilds hasn’t been much better. Lester era 5.46 and Shields 4.39, i’ll take Dlegado, Minor or Medlen over either of those rentals. In the AL you can give up 4-5 runs and still win but not in the NL. Only thing we need is to get rid of Uggla and we are fine.

jc_dawgs

July 25th, 2012
5:49 pm

I think J Lester would be the best move. Then add Medlen to our starter list. Let JJ Hanson or Delgado be the long relief guy. 1) Hudson 2) Sheets 3) Lester 4) Minor 5) Hanson/Delgado

done

July 25th, 2012
5:58 pm

Glad Dempster trade done. He’s an average pitcher having a good year and at 35 he could flame out as the season goes on. The Dodgers barely gave up anything for Hanley, Braves should take note.

Fats

July 25th, 2012
6:04 pm

Wonder if JJ could be traded for a bucket of baseballs?

don

July 25th, 2012
6:06 pm

The Yankees gave up rabbit pellets for Suzuki. The Dodgers gave up rabbit pellets for Ramirez. Neither ever gives up anything of value in a trade. Maybe Wren needs to learn from the Yankees and Dodgers.

In most trades there seems to be a “screwor” and a “screwee”. It would be nice for Wren to be the “screwor” for a change.

Dan Morton

July 25th, 2012
6:08 pm

Why do we continue to overlook Medlin? He has been a stud at every level He outperformed Hanson at every minor league level and he has been consistent at whatever he has been asked todo in the bigs. What am I missing here?

don

July 25th, 2012
6:09 pm

I disagree, Ralph. James Shields is a quality pitcher who has earned the nickname of “Big Game”. Although I prefer that the Rangers get him, he would be a difference maker for the Braves.

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
6:10 pm

Braves have an excellent MR pitcher a Gwinette but nobody pays him any attention, I guess becase he is a diabetic which is no longer a problem for him. Buddy Carlyle, an ex Brave has ML exoerience and has a 2.35 era over 53ip, 10BB and 52 SO, bring him up and start Medlen when he is needed

CRMAC300

July 25th, 2012
6:22 pm

I have to echo several opinions today about Medlen. He is an upgrade as a starter over every Braves pitcher except Hudson! Why can’t Wren and Fredi see that? I don’t hear any rumors about help for the anemic bench. There has to be a better option out there than Hinske and Francisco. I know Francisco had a good day today, but he makes Uggla look like a contact hitter most of the time! I sure hope Janisch hasn’t bought a home in the Atlanta area. He is an automatic out at the plate. During the series against the Nats, it seemed like they had a stud hitter in the lineup from 1-8! How does a franchise like that stockpile that much offensive talent? Hope Braves are serious about Josh Johnson. One of the best in the bigs when he is healthy. Worth a shot!

boots

July 25th, 2012
6:23 pm

Have fun playing for the Cubs… and losing.

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
6:35 pm

don, Shields would be better than Lester or JJ but not Delgado or Minor, he leads the AL with 150 hits allowed, don’t think we need that.

atlanta sports fan

July 25th, 2012
6:39 pm

lester may come to the atl because he lives in sharpsburg

atlanta sports fan

July 25th, 2012
6:39 pm

lester may come to the atl because he lives in sharpsburg

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
6:40 pm

Only name I have heard mentioned that interest me is Josh Johnson, hope Wren feels the same way but the Rangers will get him if he comes available.

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
6:42 pm

atlanta sports fan
July 25th, 2012
6:39 pm

lester may come to the atl because he lives in sharpsburg

Would that make him pitch any better than he has in Boston?

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
6:44 pm

As bad as Teheran has pitched in AA he still has pitched better than Lester, only thing Lester has going for him is he is a lefty, but what good does that do if he can’t get anybody out.

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
6:47 pm

typo, I meant AAA, not AA

Kyle

July 25th, 2012
6:58 pm

Any player that has to think a 1/2 a second about coming here I would move on to someone else. They are not worth the time and the real fans will hate them when they get here for it.

Southpaw

July 25th, 2012
7:17 pm

I repeat. Get Josh Johnson and Hunter Pence.

Nerdbucket Moylan

July 25th, 2012
7:30 pm

One starting pitcher addition might get you into the wild card round, but even then that equals a 1 game playoff! Do not mess around with Greinke or Dempster. If you make a SP acquisition then consider Shields who is controllable and affordable for his production. He will benefit moving from the AL east and that stadium/field. Maybe look at Josh Johnson, but cost better not be significant. Additionally, I’d deal Teheran + Juan Francisco for Headley +Gregerson in a heartbeat. Bottom line, as I have said many times, we arent going anywhere with Wren at the helm anyway.

beachcomber

July 25th, 2012
7:37 pm

If we could acquire big game James from Tampa Bay for Delgado and little else, pull the trigger. Averages 6.5 inning per start. Several years of control. Just a gusty pitcher.

md

July 25th, 2012
7:37 pm

Johnson for Delgado within the division is a 2 way street…….I’m not too sure the Braves would want to face a seasoned Delgado for the next 10 years either.

HOF 10

July 25th, 2012
7:41 pm

Medlen. It’s obvious.

Ralph

July 25th, 2012
7:43 pm

Only pitchr mentioed sofarthat Iwould giv up Delgado for would be Josh Johnson.

Dtrainwreck

July 25th, 2012
7:49 pm

It’s true the rotation has been a bit of a disappointment to this point, but I don’t feel it’s necessary to go spend this much, both in prospects and monetarily, on a front line starter. If Hanson can get it together, Sheets keeps it up, Huddy’s foot holds u

Dtrainwreck

July 25th, 2012
7:53 pm

It’s true the rotation has been a bit of a disappointment to this point, but I don’t feel it’s necessary to go spend this much, both in prospects and monetarily, on a front line starter. If Hanson can get it together, Sheets keeps it up, Huddy’s foot holds up, and we REPLACE JJ WITH MEDLEN, we have a solid rotation that, when performing like they’re able, is good enough to get to and thru the playoffs….DON’T PANIC WREN! Just go get us a nice bulpen piece or two.

sgabravesfan

July 25th, 2012
8:30 pm

Why does the AJC continue to give Dempster ink. He is not worthy to be a Brave. Wren should pull his offer and tell him to take a hike. I’d rather have Medlen in the rotation and maybe Delgado in the pen.

Bravefaninok

July 25th, 2012
9:01 pm

Peter

July 25th, 2012
5:35 pm

Really folks….. Why come to a team that has regularly choked at the end of the season ?

Look at the reality, we are a second tier team….. Pitching not so hot, hitting OK….. but in crunch time ……….. would you bet you hard earned money on the Braves ?

If not …….then why would an outsider looking in want to come here ?

Do you all honestly think Uggla is going to start hitting ? We will have him after Wren is gone.

Chipper will not get hurt ?

Bourne is going to re-sign here ?

The third base replacement is another fat slow guy.

Please….. Frank Wren has made a mess of this team…… why would you come here .. unless you are done and want to retire where it is warm ?

Here’s a Fact 4 you….The Braves have rebuilt right under your nose without ever being an uncompetitive bottom feeding team,Heward,Freeman,Prado,McCann ,Simmons….Great core of position players all under 28,most 22 -26yrs old.

Frank Wren has done a solid job building a young team on a strict budget while keeping an aging superstar(And Chipper is a superstar.)If Wren had a payroll like the philthies or Mets I could understand the b i t c h i n g.

Packer Ed

July 25th, 2012
10:06 pm

Folks, if the Braves were to get Dempster in a trade and face the Giants in the playoffs, would the Braves win? No, because the Gaints have Cain, Baumgarner and Lincecum as starters.

Hudson, Hanson and Dempster would not win against these three. Didn’t the Braves play these Giants in the playoffs a couple of years ago?

Get real, get money and go get Josh Johnson and/or Greinke. Make a bold move and go get a real Ace. Ford God’s sake, let Dempster stay where he belongs, the Chciago Cubs. Is Dempster a 500 pitcher?

Anty up or get out of the game.

coach13

July 25th, 2012
10:55 pm

Dempster is a career sub .500 pitcher (9-10), hardly the answer. The guy is having a career year (so far). He could easily regress and have his season look mediocre. Look at Hamilton’s year to date. Greinke is younger and is an ace, exactly what this staff lacks. John Lester would be sweet too, at least he’s a lefty.

the truth...

July 25th, 2012
11:00 pm

No Dempster….he is at best an average pitcher….and we have plenty of those already.

Here’s the trade we need to make….

JJ to Gwinnett…..Medlin to Start….Delgado to the Pen……

SCREW DEMPSTER and all the other RENTALS…..

Keep Delgado….

Tyler (TN)

July 26th, 2012
12:20 am

I don’t understand all the hate for Dempster, he wants his children to be close to his family one of which is disabled. You people on here really need to chill out. It’s awful on here, you can’t be mad at a man for looking out for his family.

Tyler (TN)

July 26th, 2012
12:25 am

@CRMACC300 the Nats stockpiled that line up by be one of the worst teamster baseball the last eh, 10-15 years. That’s how the draft works.

Bossmann

July 26th, 2012
9:02 am

I say we trade Teheran and a couple of other minor leaguers for Josh Johnson and Emilio Bonofacio. Teheran got beat out for the fifth starter spot in spring training by Delgado, and rightfully so. Delgado would look a whole lot better on the stat sheet if it wasn’t for a couple of untimely grandslams. He will be a better pticher than Teheran in the long run. So trade Teheran now while he still has some worth. Johnson is already under contract for multiple years and Bonofacio can be that switch hitting super -utility guy off the becnh that we need and he could also serve as a decent CF replacement if we can’t keep Bourne. What do you guys think?

Art

July 26th, 2012
9:14 am

Has Teheran gone as far as he can as a Brave. If the Braves were to bring him up to start and he fails where would he go from there. Maybe it is time to include him in a trade…maybe for Greinke. Teheran is having a horrible year and right now seems like the 7 starter when he was at the top of the hopefull list a year or so ago. Is it time to trade him.

bring back blauser

July 26th, 2012
4:51 pm

personally i think the best prospect the braves have is the kid they drafted last year out of fla state. he impressed me in spring training

DoninAcworth

July 26th, 2012
10:39 pm

I’ve seen the light…it’s about Uggla. He was put under a spell but it has run it’s course and the bean ball did it. Watch for a sizzling start against the Phillies and it will get hotter after that. Forget the past, it’s the future and the future is yhe banger, Mark my words Uggla is going to finally carry the entire team! Wow! I gotta get another ice tea! Go Dan!

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