Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: Braves Should Continue Pursuit of Ryan Dempster

The Atlanta Braves are still a potential destination for Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster (h/t Mark Bowman, MLB.com), and if they wish to make an impact in the 2012 playoffs, the Braves should do whatever it takes to get a deal done.

Since Dempster has been in the league for 10-plus years and has played the last five-plus seasons with the same team, he is allowed to veto any trade he chooses. It's also no secret that he would prefer to be dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

However, if the Dodgers can't come up with an enticing package, the Cubs won't send him there. The MLB is a business, and Chicago isn't going to send Dempster wherever he wants just make him happy.

That means there's a real possibility that the Cubs could come back to Atlanta, who can offer up talented right-handed prospect Randall Delgado. And although Dempster apparently blocked a deal that would have sent him to Atlanta a few days ago, if the 35-year-old wishes to add to his postseason start total (one), then I assume he'd prefer to finish this season in Atlanta rather than Chicago.

The Braves have a talented roster, and with the addition of Dempster, they would have a great shot of making the World Series. Even though they may be reluctant to give up Delgado for what is essentially a two-month rental in Dempster, they must pull the trigger.

Dempster is a special player and he would be an incredible asset come playoff time. Sure, he would likely leave as a free agent after the season, but if he helps the Braves win their fourth World Series in franchise history, he would be well worth the price of Delgado.

It's a risky move, but if the Braves want to make some noise this postseason, they must continue to pursue Dempster.