MLB Rumors: Dempster to Dodgers Would Be a Mistake for Cubs

The Dodgers are reportedly seriously interested in adding a starting pitcher and are eyeing Ryan Dempster, who the Cubs are shopping. The Dodgers are in need of a starting pitcher but really don't have the prospects that the Cubs are seeking to improve their pitching.

They have a lot of young raw pitchers, but none of them are showing signs of speeding up the pipeline anytime soon. The Cubs are certainly seeking a top prospect or a pair of prospects that will be ready in two years, three years at most.

The Cubs have several projects in the minors already, so adding any more will only delay getting this team turned around. 

The Dodgers organization was ranked 24th by Baseball America at the onset of the 2012 season. While they have more pitching depth than the Cubs, that doesn't mean it would translate into success in the Cubs organization.

In 12 games this season, Dempster is 3-3 with a 2.11 ERA, 66 strikeouts-to-22 walks, and a 1.01 WHIP. Despite getting hardly any run support, Dempster is having one of his best seasons, and could be the spark a team in the hunt for the playoffs needs.

But in my humble opinion, the Dodgers do not hold the answers the Cubs are seeking. Trading him there would be a cheap way to free up some cash and get a few extra arms who won't amount to anything as far as I see.

The Blue Jays, a team more desperate for pitching, have the minor league pieces that could entice the Cubs and offer them something for the future. Even teams that have not fully emerged as trade candidates, like the Marlins and Braves, have more enticing prospects than the Dodgers.

That does not mean a trade with the Dodgers is out of the question. But simply dumping him for a couple of Single-A prospects wouldn't serve to benefit the Cubs anytime soon.