It appears that the Chicago Cubs are nearing a deal that will send starting pitcher Ryan Dempster to the Atlanta Braves, as reports begin to flood in. It's unclear what the possible return could be in the deal, but it's likely that the Cubs will receive pitching prospects given their reported interest in such players.

Initially, it was reported by David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Braves were near a deal for a pitcher:

Also hearing #Braves closer to finalizing trade for a starting pitcher.

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) July 23, 2012

Then, just minutes later, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports added that the pitcher going to Atlanta appears to be Dempster:

dempster would provide huge immediate impact for #braves, once finalized. hearing it is close. #cubs

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 23, 2012

Rumors regarding a possible Dempster trade have been going on for weeks, although they've been especially hot of late. Given the acceleration in reports this afternoon, it seems likely that a deal is completed soon.

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Who do you think the Cubs will receive for Dempster?

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