Ryan Dempster: Atlanta Braves Won't Attempt Trade for Cubs SP

The Atlanta Braves will not attempt to trade for Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster anymore, according to Atlanta-based sports reporter Sandra Golden via Twitter early Wednesday morning:

"

Frank Wren said deal with Dempster "highly unlikely". Braves had parameters that expired yesterday.

— Sandra Golden (@sportsandra) July 25, 2012"

According to a later tweet from Golden, Braves general manager Frank Wren has made it clear that Atlanta has "moved on" from the veteran pitcher:

"

Great Stuff from Frank Wren on Dempster "not going to paint ourselves in a corner... we have moved on" #braves

— Sandra Golden (@sportsandra) July 25, 2012"

Who can blame Wren and the Braves front office for setting a deadline in this situation? Dempster showed reluctance to leave the Windy City for Atlanta; not surprising, considering he has been playing in Chicago since 2004.

This tweet from Dempster on Monday afternoon just about said it all:

"

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

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

There is no denying Dempster's talent and dominance on the mound. The 35-year-old is 5-4 with a 2.11 ERA in 15 starts with the Cubs this season. Still, the sports world has been abuzz lately with the ongoing Dwight Howard saga in Orlando, and the Braves have likely heard about the drama involving the NBA's version of a proposed deal for a star player in limbo.

The Braves are smart to move on from Dempster and look at other pitching options to lead them to the postseason.

Dempster must understand by now that he cannot help the Cubs this season. Chicago is 16.5 games back in the NL Central heading into Wednesday and 12.5 back of the NL Wild Card. Even if he continues to pitch lights-out, the Cubs are headed for yet another early offseason.

Atlanta was a no-brainer for the Canadian. He would have been in the thick of the playoff race and been supported by some of the best fans in baseball. That opportunity has been lost for now. 

Unlike the Cubs, the Braves are contending in 2012 and have no time to wait on a pitcher as the trade deadline approaches. 

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