Braves must look inward for reason Despster deal failed
General manager Frank Wren is annoyed that the news of a deal for Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster got out on Monday, essentially scuttling it.
Wren is blaming the internet and social media, when he should be taking aim at the front office executive who confirmed the deal to USA Today writer Bob Nightengale, who would not have been able to publish the news without official confirmation.
That executive has not been identified, but typically in situations such as this one, the proverbial anonymous source is the head of media relations.
Wren's contention is that, had the deal remained private, Dempster would have been able to think it over and discuss it with his family without the public glare and pressure.
But the reality is that he was not likely to have waived his 10-5 rights to come to the Braves anyway.
Dempster is from outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, which is one reason he wants to sign with the Dodgers when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.
The Dodgers' record is similar to the Braves' right now, but it positions them nearer to first place in the National League West than the Braves' record does to first in the National League East.
And the weather in Los Angeles is better, without the heat humidity that can wear pitchers down in Atlanta.
Not to mention that the Dodgers, under new ownership that includes Magic Johnson, will be willing to offer a more lucrative contract for next season.
The Braves' owners are as anonymous as the Dempster-deal source: Liberty Media. The team is such a small part of the company that it doesn't even rate a footnote in the annual report. No large infusion of money will be forthcoming next season.
Regardless of any of that, what does it tell you about Wren's desperation to land a veteran pitcher that he was reportedly willing to give up rookie right-hander Randall Delgado for a two-month Dempster rental?
