MLB Trade Deadline 2012: 5 Teams That Must Trade for Ryan Dempster

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Ryan Dempster has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season despite playing for the lowly Chicago Cubs.

As the trade deadline approaches, it’s time for him to move on to bigger and better things and join a team with a chance at making the playoffs.

The Cubs are trying to rebuild, so a couple of decent prospects should be more than enough for a playoff-caliber team to land Dempster.

Let’s take a look at five teams that should be calling the Cubs before July 31.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

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The Blue Jays need to decide quickly if they believe they are going to be serious contenders this season.

If they decide that they are going to go for it, they need to call up Theo Epstein and ask what it would take to land Dempster.

Yunel Escobar is up for grabs from Toronto, and a young pitching prospect could be included in the deal as well.

4. Baltimore Orioles

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The Orioles pitching staff currently has an ERA of 4.08, so bringing in some pitching help should be a top priority.

Acquiring a player of Dempster’s caliber would probably mean the team would have to part with either Dylan Bundy or Manny Machado, but that’s a price they’ll have to pay.

This team hasn’t been competitive in years, so they need to seize this opportunity and make the most of it.

3. Atlanta Braves

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The Braves have already tried to acquire Dempster, but he doesn’t want to pitch in Atlanta for some reason.

If he happens to change his mind closer to the deadline, however, the Braves would probably be willing to give up Randall Delgado to get him.

Atlanta may not be ideal for Dempster, but pitching for any team (except maybe the Houston Astros) would be better than pitching for the Cubs.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

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This is clearly where Dempster wants to be traded, so the Dodgers need to try to land him.

If they can get him without giving up top prospect Allen Webster, it’ll be a huge benefit to this team now and in the near future.

Dempster would give them some much-needed rotation stability behind Clayton Kershaw.

1. Boston Red Sox

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The Red Sox haven’t gotten much production from their starting rotation this year.

Jon Lester has been especially terrible and currently sports a 5.46 ERA to go with his 5-8 record.

This team needs a veteran leader like Dempster to come in and change the atmosphere in the dugout and the training room.

Giving up a prospect like pitcher Matt Barnes or outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. would probably be enough to land Dempster.