When the Cubs and Dodgers first started discussing a possible deal for Ryan Dempster late last week, rumor had it that Theo Epstein and Co. were asking about Zach Lee, the 20-year-old right-hander that was named the Dodgers' top prospect prior to the start of the 2012 season.
Los Angeles balked at that idea, understandably, but now the Cubs may be on to the next young pitcher:
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Jon MorosiSource: Cubs have asked Dodgers for Allen Webster as primary piece in Ryan Dempster talks.
Jul 25 via webFavoriteRetweetReply
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Webster is a year-and-a-half older than Lee, but is also a little more advanced. He's been pitching at the Double-A affiliate of the Dodgers since the middle of last season, totaling 39 appearances and 33 starts for Chattanooga.
This season, Webster, a former 18th round pick of the Dodgers back in 2008, is 4-8 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. He is striking out 8.6 batters per nine innings, which is right around his career average in the minor leagues.
Webster is a sinkerballer, who has drawn comparisons to Derek Lowe, though he obviously strikes out more batters than Lowe, who has whiffed 5.8 hitters per nine throughout his 16-year career.
If the Cubs were to deal Dempster to the Braves, 22-year-old Randall Delgado figured to be a part of the deal coming back to Chicago.
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While Delgado and Webster are the same age (actually born just hours apart), Webster is widely considered a better prospect. He was named the No. 95 prospect in the country prior to 2012 by Baseball America. Delgado did not make the list.
This is all just speculation until something concrete comes back, but stay tuned over the next few days.