The trade deadline is approaching quickly. Since talks with the Chicago Cubs involving pitcher Ryan Dempster continue to stall, two other pitchers have re-emerged as favorites to be dealt. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields and Miami Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson are both getting serious consideration by the Los Angeles Dodgers, among other teams.
The Dodgers seem to be interested in every major pitcher available on the trade market, it just matters right now how much the Dodgers would be willing to give up. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says that was the main reason why the deal for Dempster did not go through for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers offered a couple pitching prospects for Dempster, but the Cubs were asking for top right-handed pitching prospect Allen Webster, a request the Dodgers rebuffed, CBSSports.com reported Thursday. The Dodgers' offer for Dempster was suggested to be underwhelming. They also have leverage in those talks, as Dempster turned down a deal to the Braves and is believed only willing to go to the Dodgers.
Shields' option, worth $9 million next year, is the main reason why he is probably on the trading block. Johnson is in a similar position, so as it was said, its all dependent on how much the Dodgers are willing to give up.
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