The Los Angeles Dodgers are discussing possible trades involving veteran starting pitcher Ryan Dempster with the Chicago Cubs, as Buster Olney of ESPN reports. The Dodgers have been rumored to be interested in Dempster in the past, so it makes sense that they'd be opening up discussions for the pitcher around this time.
Dempster, 35, has been superb in his first dozen starts for the Cubs this season, posting a 2.11 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 22 walks over 81 innings. Since being converted to the starting rotation before the 2008 season, he's emerged as one of the best starters in the National League: only six NL pitchers have posted a higher WAR over that time frame.
Olney also notes that the Dodgers and Cubs aren't discussing first baseman Bryan LaHair at the moment. The duo that's primarily been featured at first base for L.A. this season, James Loney and Juan Rivera, has been abysmal, but LaHair would likely require a significant amount in terms of prospects.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.