MLB Trade Deadline: Ryan Dempster Will Ultimately Accept Rumored Deal to Braves

Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster will approve of the rumored trade sending him to the Atlanta Braves before everything is all said and done.

A deal sending Dempster to Atlanta was prematurely reported via Twitter by FOXSports.com's senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal on Monday:

"

Deal indeed done: Dempster to #Braves. No word on financial terms or players involved. @mlbbowman reporting Delgado could be part.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 23, 2012"

Shortly thereafter, the incorrect reports of an accepted deal began swirling, Dempster set the record straight via Twitter:

"

THERE IS NO TRADE dont know where this info came from!

— Dempster Foundation (@RyanDempsterFDN) July 23, 2012"

Dempster has the right to veto any deal because he has played at least 10 years in the Majors, and has been with his current team for at least five years, according to MLB.com.

Despite the 35-year-old's angered response (judging by the use of caps and an exclamation mark) to what turned out to be false rumors, the Cubs' veteran will ultimately accept a move to the Braves.

Let's see why.

Extraordinary Fan Base

Although a similar argument can be made about the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves boast a notorious fan base that gets behind its players game in and game out. As a player who appreciates the opportunity to play in front of die-hard baseball fans, Dempster should be excited about the opportunity to move to a franchise as beloved as the Atlanta Braves.

As a perennial contender located in a warm weather city, the Braves offer Dempster the opportunity to build a reputation with an extraordinary fan base, but without having to sacrifice competitiveness. 

Playoff Potential

Dempster has pitched in just two playoff games for his entire career, and has never had a realistic shot at winning a World Series championship with Chicago. Meanwhile, the Braves have had a winning record in each of the past three seasons, and made the playoffs in 2010. 

Atlanta is currently only 4 1/2 games behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East, and just 1/2 game back of the NL wild card. Compare that to the fact that the Cubs are 16 1/2 games out of the NL Central lead, and 13 games back of the league wild card.

Dempster is 5-4 this season in 15 starts with a 2.11 ERA. His presence on the mound for the Braves would be tremendous as they make a push for the postseason this summer. Who knows, maybe Dempster is the missing piece that helps Atlanta win its first title since 1995.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.