Dempster to LAD academic?

With suitor No. 2, the Atlanta Braves, acquiring left-hander Paul Maholm Monday night, right-hander Ryan Dempster may finally land in Los Angeles with the Dodgers.

At last check, the two sides were deadlocked with only the Washington Nationals emerging as a third possible destination. Dempster's preference clearly is the Dodgers, so with just hours left until the deadline that may be the next shoe to drop on the north side of Chicago.

The Cubs could keep Dempster and look to re-sign him after the season -- something that both player and club may be open to even if the veteran is traded -- so while a trade is very likely, it's not a breakaway slam dunk.