Cubs’ Dempster discusses tirade, Braves
Ryan Dempster can veto any trade because he's a player with 10 years of major league experience and five with his current team.
Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, the subject of trade talks between Chicago and the Braves earlier this week, had some interesting comments Wednesday night after what might be his last start in a Cubs uniform.
Dempster allowed three runs in six innings of a 3-2 loss to the Pirates and threw a tantrum after being pulled by manager Dale Sveum before the seventh inning. Dempster slammed a cooler lid, tossed aside a cooler and threw a full plastic bottle.
After the game, he talked about his actions, Atlanta GM Frank Wren, and the possibility of being dealt before the July 31 trade deadline.
When asked if he had ruled out accepting a deal to the Braves, Dempster responded, ‘I never said that.”
Dempster has blocked a trade to the Braves so far, hoping he’d instead be traded to the Dodgers. Wren said Wednesday morning that “it’s highly unlikely” the Braves would be able to complete their deal.
Dempster said he respects the GM and understands his position. “[The Braves] can’t worry about waiting around for me to make my decision. If that’s still an option down the road, that’s something I’m going to look at.”
Dempster added that he would be using Thursday’s day off to look at “a couple of different things … to make the best decision.”
Meanwhile, another desirable starting pitcher appears certain to be dealt before the July 31 trade deadline.
Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin confirmed that the team is fielding trade inquiries for Zack Greinke and seemed resigned to losing the righty.
“I’m very fond of him,” Melvin told USA Today. “He’s one of my favorite players I ever had. Really, he’s been like a son to me. It’s been a great experience having him for a year and a half. There are so many good things about him, it’s going to be difficult when we trade him.”
Milwaukee just returned home from an 0-6 road trip.
Greinke is 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA this season.
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101 comments Add your comment
Braun
July 27th, 2012
7:08 am
The only deal the Braves should make with the Cubs is to trade Uggla for Soriano (or Darwin Barney – hopefully the Cubs are dumb enough). Don’t give up Delgado for this prima donna.
Buddy Landel
July 27th, 2012
7:10 am
If we acquired Greinke, how long would it take our fans to learn how to spell his name? How many times have I read “Medlin” or ‘Hinski” or “Fransisco” or “O’Flarity” or “Hansen”, etc…?
The Knowledge Wizard
July 27th, 2012
7:20 am
As an Angels fan stuck in Atlanta, I love the Tex trade. When the Angels lost out on signing him, they received a draft pick in return. That draft pick became Mike Trout.
Nativebird
July 27th, 2012
7:32 am
Grienke? Dempster?….Tomato, Tomahto….deck chairs…change’em around all you want. Two words: Liberty Media.
Bravo Uno
July 27th, 2012
7:37 am
imagine being stuck with big contracts on both Dempster & Uggla !
That would guarantee second fiddle status to the Nationals for another decade,
Wren, do the right thing and unload Uggla; eat half the remaining contract and put Prado back on second, where he belongs !
MikeY
July 27th, 2012
7:58 am
I agree with many that Delgado for 2 months of Dempster seems like a bad deal. And signing Dempster long term reminds me a lot of…Derek Lowe.
Also it really appears he would prefer to pitch on the West Coast, so our chances of signing him long term look weak.
Now, if the Cubs wanted to include Reed Johnson or Jeff Baker (both could be good RH bats, and Baker plays multiple spots). Heck, while we’re at it, they could throw in Shawn Camp, 2.74ERA, 1.07 WHIP. So, how about Delgado for Dempster, Baker, and Camp, with the Cubs paying some salary? All 3 would be 2-month rentals, but we would cover all 3 of our needs in one trade.
kennyj55
July 27th, 2012
8:11 am
This may go in another direction. Aces are scarce and the top few are either costly short-term rentals (a strong prospect or two for maybe 7 starts) or come with a $100 million price tag. If Wren can’t make that happen I wouldn’t blame him. He might go for a right–handed bat, like a Josh Willingham or Cody Ross, plus a strong middle reliever, giving Medlen the chance to take JJ’s spot in the rotation. JJ is ready to be either released or returned to AAA. A Willingham type acquisition gives them the flexibility to spell Chipper and the sadly awful Uggla with Prado moving around, strengthening their everyday lineup and bench. If Wren can also find a left handed bench bat to replace Hinske, it again improves their club. Sure, I’d rather have King Felix or James Shields or Zach Grienke because we need a 1 or 2 starter, but if the market doesn’t bear it he still needs to find a way to overcome the weaknesses that keep this club from making a legitimate run.
SC_Brave
July 27th, 2012
8:13 am
Dempster’s K/9 are the lowest they’ve been since 2003, and his BABIP of .244 is very low. Once that regresses towards his mean of .305, I would expect his ERA to start fattening up in the second half(especially since his lower K/9 would indicate he’s missing bats less and allowing more balls to be put in play). Very glad he blocked this deal.
Judi
July 27th, 2012
8:15 am
Get Greinke and say NO THANK YOU to Dempster. Dempster will fade before seasons end wherever he is.
don
July 27th, 2012
8:21 am
The Braves will look weak, in addition to their usual stupid, if they trade for Dempster. Rentals don’t work out well in Atlanta. I would think the fans, being a bit smarter than management, would not welcome Dempster.
Find A 2nd Baseman
July 27th, 2012
8:36 am
What we need is a second baseman!! ASAMFP!!
Claude Raymond
July 27th, 2012
8:48 am
Trade Uggla. Go after Greinke.
TechMate
July 27th, 2012
8:48 am
Medlen as a starter, then get a strong arm for the pen; another bat would also be a good idea. We don’t ever seem to be able to pick up a good bat down the stretch. What’s up with that, Frank Wren?
Geno
July 27th, 2012
8:49 am
I, like many of you, am not a Dempster fan by the way he rejected the Braves. This could’ve been a done deal, but his heart is in L.A. and Chicago before Atlanta. I’m concerned with Greinke in that it will take $20mil. per year to sign him after the season ends. I still shutter thinking about Derrick Lowe, KK, and the other undervalued players that came with high price tags. Chipper made $15 mil. this season, and while it seems that he plays about as much as a starting pitcher, he still contributes greatly on offense. Either way, I’m sure Wren will do the right thing. Hind sight is 20/20. Its going to be fun watching Dempster sweat when he sees what opportunity that he gave up. He’s already back-tracking! Go Braves!
bravesgrl4life
July 27th, 2012
8:53 am
Anybody see/hear about Delgado’s great start for Gwinnett last night?
Dawgnlex is a complete tool
July 27th, 2012
8:57 am
who cares… if he wants to stay a LOSER Cub… then don’t come.
IDEA!
July 27th, 2012
9:04 am
I wonder if Wren reads these blogs….He should cause it appears we all have more sense than he does. Medlen would be the perfect solution to our rotation if we can’t acquire Greinke. We don’t want a Dumpster rental.
IDEA!
July 27th, 2012
9:07 am
bravesgrl: I was at the game….he pitched well, only run he gave up was a homer. Looked more confident which I believe is what he lacks in the Bigs…..if he would challenge more batters early on and have confidence in his stuff he would be a solution to our starting rotation in my opinion
NO O
July 27th, 2012
9:10 am
Delgado is young and will improve. Dempster is all he can be and will only go downhill. Keep the youing pitchers and go get some offense.
Placenta Omelet
July 27th, 2012
9:31 am
Dempster sounds like a classy jerk.
Must Have Missed Something
July 27th, 2012
9:41 am
Who went on a tirade?
The Mask
July 27th, 2012
9:51 am
The Knowledge Wizard
July 27th, 2012
7:20 am
As an Angels fan stuck in Atlanta, I love the Tex trade. When the Angels lost out on signing him, they received a draft pick in return. That draft pick became Mike Trout.
————————————————
Its amazing that there are still people who can’t seem to wrap their brain around this one. There is no guarentee whatsoever, ABSOLUTELY NONE, that the Braves would have picked Trout. In fact, I seriously doubt they would have looked at him because at that time the Braves already had the guy they thought would be in CF for a long time in Jordan Schafer. Braves can’t help that Schafer’s bat disappeared and he never out-grew his immaturity issues.
DontNeed PrimaDonnas
July 27th, 2012
9:59 am
Greinke far better pitcher than Dempster. Dempster’s prima donna attitude is a terrible fit for the Braves. Try for Greinke. If we don’t get him, just move Medlen up to starter. This team is building up good to be a long term powerhouse. Don’t sell the farm just to make a run this year. We probably make the playoffs with what we have anyway.
Bravo Uno
July 27th, 2012
10:04 am
Can the Braves afford Greinke @ $20 million per season ?
I think y’all know the answer to that question.
Grow your own pitching talent like Miner, Delgado, Medlen, etc.; use the
money toward position players and unload Jurrjens and Uggla !
timthebrave
July 27th, 2012
10:19 am
A couple of points.
1. Dempster has earned the right to block any trade and do whats best for his family
2. I would like Dempster on the Braves. He is a pretty good pitcher
3. He is not worth Delgado
Go Braves!
Dumpster
July 27th, 2012
10:22 am
I am glad the Braves didn’t get Dempster because his career is going to the Dump………he is a bum and would be a distraction in the clubhouse.If a guy doesn’t even want to play for you for 2 months than he would be no good for your team because he Could Care Less about wheather you won or lost the wild card or the division…………………The only place he belongs is the DEMPSTER HIGHWAY FREEZING HIS AZZ OFF WHILE DRIVING A TRUCK ON THE ICE!
Allison
July 27th, 2012
10:23 am
Dumpster already realizes he blew it. Funny watching him now try to talk his way back in. lol Just say NO, Mr. Wren. Braves don’t kowtow to egotistical drama queens. You blew it boy! Good for us. Dumpster exactly what we DON’T need around here.
Wren-a-Player
July 27th, 2012
10:26 am
If I am going to rent a pitcher for 2 months it will be Zak who is no Hack!
Mateo
July 27th, 2012
10:31 am
If we’re going to be dealing the 22 year old Delgado we might as well get a guy younger than 35 who doesn’t fly off the handle in public like that. Get Greinke!
alex
July 27th, 2012
10:35 am
the braves horrifying problem currently is surprisingly not starting pitchers (of course they suck) but big, big 13 mil. hole on 2 base. this is unfortunately first priority, to solve this is to admit Mr. wren his own colossal mistake last year in trading for uggla, but measure to evaluate gm job is how they able to correct yourself. my predictions we will stuck with this hole at least 3 more years means big obstacle to reach post season. hope i am wrong.
Big Johnson
July 27th, 2012
10:36 am
Maybe the Marlins will trade Josh Johnson to the Brave’s for Dan Uggla…………That way after the season they can trade Johnson for a real 2nd baseman or someone to replace Bourn after he signs with Washington…………keep Delgado to trade for a real Outfielder to take Prado’s place after he takes Chipper or Uggla’s place next year………..that’s all we can look forward to is next year cause the Brave’s won’t get very far this one!
Dan
July 27th, 2012
10:37 am
Dempster has earned the right to veto any trade that’s fine move far and very fast away from him. If the Brewers want Teharan send him I will take a proven pitcher over a “hot prospect” any day. Just look at how many of our sure bets have not worked out. You can make some moves in offseacon to work out financial part…Chippers numbers are coming off books……just go for it the National League is wide open. If Braves play Nats I will take Greinke against Strasburg or Gonzales ar Cain from Giants and love my chances
Holy Sheets
July 27th, 2012
10:42 am
If Sheets pitches another good game tonight then the Brave’s ougt to think about giving him a real contract……that would only be right considering Jurrjens makes 5 mil a year and Sheets is at the Mlb Min!……………….Keep the Man around…….He Will Make Atlanta Proud!
1eyedJack
July 27th, 2012
10:42 am
Dempster has never impressed me before. What has he done since coming off the disabled list? Pass.
Tardo Kronik
July 27th, 2012
11:02 am
Dempster eats Chick-Fil-A. Avoid!
Rufus
July 27th, 2012
11:21 am
Why trade Delgado. He has the best arm of all the young pitchers. Better than Minor, Beachy, and Teheran. Is this another Texas trade, where they give up too much for a rental. This guy don’t want to come now, so why give up on Delgado. It the Braves make this trade you can add Delgado to Andrus, Feliz, and Harrison among others that the Braves just gave away.
Rufus
July 27th, 2012
11:22 am
From what I’ve seen I would keep Delgado over Teheran anyday.
SomeOne
July 27th, 2012
11:40 am
Given that the braves will not pony up to resign Bourn when the time comes what makes anyone think they would get a pitcher that they would have to pay 20 million a year to????
Turtle Man
July 27th, 2012
11:53 am
We don’t want Dumpster here anyways! He’s a sub-.500, over-the-hill pitcher that is having a “breakout” season. Let the Dodgers have him!!!
Let’s go after Felix Hernandez instead!!!
4daBraves
July 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
Lets look at Johnson from the Marlins.
YoungerThan ThatNow, Texiera was a Boras client, and there was no way the Braves were ever going to sign him. They simply don’t deal with Boras, which is why Bourne will be gone after this year.
Chipmunk
July 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
Frank, don’t bring in a guy who has said he doesn’t want to come here. He will leave at the first opportunity. You’ll be giving away good future prospects for an aging rental.
4daBraves
July 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
I would rather us trade Tehran before Delgado. I would also rather us find somone much younger than Dempster and someone who is not just a short term rental.
Mark (another one)
July 27th, 2012
12:20 pm
I would not trade Delgado. Period. At this time, every club out of the race is trying to hold a gun to Wren’s head, and steal a young gun pitcher. Delgado has performed at about the level you could expect for a 22 year old, first year pitcher. There are very few pitchers that will light the world on fire their first year. That said, I think he will be a future star and I wouldn’t give him up for a short term solution.
I think a rotation of Hudson, Sheets, Hanson, Minor and Medlen with Delgado in AAA pitching in the rotation makes more sense. As for Medlen’s role in the pen, I would look at Carlyle (2.63 ERA in AAA), Gearrin (1.29) or Chapman(3.59). The last two are on our 40 man roster so the moves would be easy.
tom
July 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
Send Dumpster to the Phlunkies
DawgDad
July 27th, 2012
12:48 pm
The lesson in the Dempster talks is be VERY careful of who becomes a 10-5 player on your watch.
DawgDad
July 27th, 2012
1:08 pm
I’m not in favor of trading Delgado for Dempster or any other mid-thirties/rental pitcher. I don’t comprehend why they seem bent on taking Delgado out of the rotation.
Picking up Greinke would be a completely different story; the only pitcher on the Braves roster I would hesitate trading for Greinke is Kimbrel, and in the big picture a GM would have to think very hard about that. Picking up Greinke at this stage could be akin to the Braves picking up Hudson back in 2005, or potential even better.
shawny
July 27th, 2012
2:39 pm
pass on dempster. Get greinke. Make Medlin a starter. Dump delgado and jurrgens.
And please, please, trade uggla. his stock goes down every day so it is time to SELL.
Jimmy Crack
July 27th, 2012
2:51 pm
“Really, he’s been like a son to me.”
I smell a rat.
coach13
July 27th, 2012
4:20 pm
Would rather have Greinke. Dempster is a career sub .500 pitcher (9-10) who is having a career year, so far. Medlen in the rotation seems to make sense too. Bottom line is this team does not have an ace on their pitching staff (Dempster is no ace).
l jones
July 27th, 2012
6:33 pm
If Venters can come back and be effective, letting Medlen start seems like a no-brainer. If Venters can’t do it, you’ve got to have a good seventh inning guy.
The Braves don’t need a 35 year old Dempster. I’d rather watch Delgado or Tehran get the experience, and have them in the Braves’ rotation for years after Dempster is gone.