Chicago at Pittsburgh

Trade winds continue to circulate regarding today's starting pitcher Ryan Dempster. He has nixed a trade that would have sent him to Atlanta, and there is certainly a chance that something could happen before he takes the mound in this one. It may also be getting to him, as last time out he had his worst outing in nearly two months. Pittsburgh is a bona fide playoffs contender, but because of their 20-year negative history, they are not getting the respect they should from the oddsmakers. This is a team that is 32-16 at home on the season, and the Pirates are now 22-6 in their last 28 as a favorite. The Cubs enter a non-threatening 17-40 in their last 57 on the road. Play on Pittsburgh.