Chicago at Houston

Ryan Dempster had a career year last season posting 17 wins to just six losses. Can he do it again? One would think he will not, as Dempster is a career loser at 76-81 and his 4.55 ERA isn't putting him on any All-Star teams, so there may be inherent value on fading him early. Despite his historic season, the Cubs were still losers in his 13 road starts where they closed at 6-7, and Dempster and the Cubs were 0-2 vs. Houston. Wandy Rodriguez had a career year last year finishing with an ERA under four for the first time, but his ceiling is much higher and is finally maturing into the starter the Astros thought he could be. He should progress more this year. He beat the Cubs last year in Houston, allowing just one run, so I'll back the Stros’ to get their first win of the season in this one.