ESPN's Jayson Stark was told by a source that the status of the Ryan Dempster-to-Atlanta deal should be resolved "shortly." The Cubs and Braves reached agreement Monday on a trade that would send Dempster to Atlanta for 22-year-old right-hander Randall Delgado. However, Dempster is currently mulling over whether to sign off on the deal, as he would prefer to be traded to the Dodgers. Stark notes that the Cubs continue to talk with both the Braves and the Dodgers.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that Ryan Dempster would prefer to be traded to the Dodgers. The Cubs and Braves reached agreement Monday on a trade that would send Dempster to Atlanta for 22-year-old right-hander Randall Delgado. However, Dempster has 10-and-5 rights and can veto any deal. His desire to pitch in Los Angeles, which is closer in proximity to his home in Vancouver, explains the current hang-up. The problem is that the Cubs prefer the Braves' offer and the Dodgers are trying to trade for other starting pitchers. The appeal to pitch for a contender may ultimately win out, but it's not the slam-dunk many assumed it was 24 hours ago.

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Ryan Dempster felt "blindsided" when word of a trade to the Braves was leaked to the media on Monday. Dempster had given preliminary indications that he would accept a trade to the Braves. However, the veteran right-hander wasn't happy when word of a completed deal leaked out in the media before the Cubs had a chance to inform him. Dempster has 10-and-5 rights and can veto any trade, so he is currently mulling over the situation. He is scheduled to pitch Wednesday, so a decision is expected before then. If he agrees to the deal, the Braves would send 22-year-old right-hander Randall Delgado to Chicago.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that a trade that would send Ryan Dempster to the Braves and Randall Delgado to the Cubs is now "50/50" to happen. The deal looked like it was about to become official earlier Monday, but there's an apparent hangup. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Dempster might be hesitating to waive his 10-and-5 rights, which would make sense. A resolution seems likely to come sometime over the next 24 hours.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Cubs and Braves are waiting on Ryan Dempster's approval on a trade that would send him to Atlanta. The Cubs and Braves have reportedly reached agreement on a deal that would sent Dempster to Atlanta for 22-year-old right-hander Randall Delgado. However, Dempster wrote on his Twitter account Monday afternoon that "there is no trade." The veteran right-hander has 10-and-5 rights and can veto any deal, so he must give his formal approval first. He has indicated in the past that he would be willing to join a contender, so just because he has veto power doesn't mean he'll use it in this case.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com has confirmed that Cubs righty Ryan Dempster is being dealt to the Braves. Bowman is "hearing" that Randall Delgado will be sent to Chicago in return, but it sounds like talks are ongoing in regards to that piece of the puzzle. Dempster, 35, has posted a 2.11 ERA and 77/27 K/BB ratio in 98 innings (15 starts) this season for the last-place Cubs. His contract includes a no-trade clause but he was probably more than willing to join a contender like the Braves.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Braves "appear close" to landing Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster. The Cubs front office has been aggressive in trying to deal Dempster over the past several days in order free up time and focus for the soon-to-come Matt Garza trade talks. Dempster, 35, has posted a stellar 2.11 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 98 innings this season for Chicago. He'd obviously provide a big boost to the iffy Atlanta rotation. ESPN's Jayson Stark says a swap could be completed by Monday afternoon.

A source tells FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal that the Dodgers are "very unlikely" to trade for Ryan Dempster. The Dodgers view Dempster as a rental, and reportedly balked at the package the Cubs are asking for in return. Rosenthal suggests that Matt Garza is now a more logical trade target, who is under team control through 2013. The Nationals, Braves and Tigers remain interested in Dempster. Garza was recently linked to the Royals.

Ryan Dempster's scoreless innings streak was snapped at 33, as he allowed four runs on seven hits over his six frames. He walked two while striking out two in the game. It was one of Dempster's worst starts of the season, and you have to wonder if all of the trade rumors swirling around played a role. Dempster is now 5-4 with an elite 2.11 ERA on the season. In all likelihood, this will be his final start in a Cubs uniform.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Cardinals have "checked in" on Ryan Dempster. Dempster is currently scheduled to start against the Cards Friday, but they'd prefer he switch dugouts. In all likelihood, they're probably not a major player, as the Dodgers still look like the favorites to land him, with the Nationals, Braves and Tigers also lurking.