Bucs - Cubs Lineup, Notes

RHP Ryan Dempster (5-4, 2.11 ERA) goes against RHP Kevin Correia (7-6, 4.31 ERA) this afternoon. It might be the last start in their current uniforms for both guys. Dempster has been rock steady for the Cubs, but is pretty certain to be dealt shortly; the question being to what team? KC has won a career-high five straight decisions, but the trade for Wandy Rodriguez puts his spot in the rotation in serious jeopardy. The game begins at 12:35, and is not on TV. Too bad; Zoltan (Hal Sparks) is throwing out the first pitch.

Chicago has popped Pittsburgh's bubble the first two games because the Bucs couldn't hit, so the Pirate FO went out and got another pitcher; go figure. Anyway, KC will try to stop the Chi-Town nine from brooming the Bucs while the FO tries to find a stick by the deadline.

The lineup: Alex Presley LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Garrett Jones RF, Casey McGehee 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Mike McKenry C, Clint Barmes SS, Kevin Correia P.

• Garrett Jones may become a full time RF; he has six hits in his last 13 at bats vs. LHP and is shedding his platoon rep.
• Since 2009, Andrew McCutchen leads the team with 73 homers; Jones is second at 72. 
• Alex Presley turns twenty-seven today.
• From Matthew Leach of MLB.com: "One name to watch is the Angels' Peter Bourjos. There's a potential fit there, with Los Angeles willing to deal Bourjos for a bullpen upgrade and Pittsburgh flush with relievers who might be available for an outfielder."
• Hey, a little MLB news overnight: Cole Hamels signed an extension for 6 years/$144M; Hanley Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers for Nathan Eovaldi, and A-Rod got plunked and broke his hand.