Atlanta Braves Win the Dempster Sweepstakes

As confirmed by MLB beat-writer Mark Bowman, Ryan Dempster is now a member of the Atlanta Braves.  There is no word yet on who the Braves have sent to the Cubs, but it is rumored that Randall Delgado will be in the mix.

Below are Dempster's statlines for this year and his career.  Dempster will be a free agent at the end of the year, barring a long-term deal being made with the Braves.  His career numbers are less than stellar; however, he is having an outstanding season this year.

2012

INN	H	ER	HR	BB	SO	ERA
98	76	23	7	27	77	2.11

Career

INN	H	ER	HR	BB	SO	ERA
2140.2	2098	1025	229	967	1842	4.31

Also for those concerned about not getting Zack Greinke, Greinke has said he will test free agency this summer.  Dempster is also set to be a free agent this summer.  It is yet to be seen if the Braves will retain Dempster and still have the opportunity to sign him or Zack Greinke this offseason.  The Braves still have needs for a right-handed hitter and another solid bullpen arm.

Give us your thoughts on how you think Dempster will affect the Braves rotation and your predictions for the Braves playoff chances this year.

UPDATE (8 PM):
Earlier reports indicated the trade was finalized, but Dempster tweeted that there was no trade. Several sources has since recanted their story, and the deal is apparently still in the works. The holdup appears to be Dempster waiving his 10-5 rights. Sources say that Dempster prefers the Dodgers, who have been in on him for the last few weeks, as well. More updates to come once the situation is resolved.

UPDATE (9AM Wednesday):
Frank Wren said in an interview with 680 The Fan (out of Atlanta) this morning that the Dempster deal with the Cubs had parameters that expired yesterday and that the Braves were moving on.  While the Braves are still looking to find that ace-level arm, this can be seen as a near-miss for the Braves.  The team almost traded away a 23 year old under team control with a promising future for a 2 month rental of a career-mediocre pitcher.  The Braves are under the "win-now" method of thinking, but the Dempster trade would've been a bad one especially since the guy clearly did not want to be here.