According to ESPN Chicago, the Dodgers have actually made a trade offer for Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster, who leads the National League with a 1.86 ERA and hasn't allowed a run since forever ago.

When the Dodgers' new ownership group took over this spring, all the right things were said about spending money, competing to win immediately, etc. But at this point in the season, the Dodgers do have one small problem ... They don't have many trade chips. If Dempster were just sort of muddling along, simply assuming the remainder of his contract would nearly suffice. But he's not muddling; he's excelling. Which means that in addition to paying the rest of his salary this season, any team that gets Dempster will have to give up some talent.

And the Dodgers don't have much of that. They entered this season without a single Grade A prospect. Their best prospect was probably pitcher Zach Lee, their first-round draft pick two years ago. But Lee hasn't pitched well in the minors this season. He's certainly still a prospect. But he's nothing like the prospect Zack Wheeler was a year ago, when the Giants sent Wheeler to the Mets in the Carlos Beltran trade.

Which doesn't mean a deal can't get done. But on its face, this doesn't seem like the best fit. Even if the Dodgers could use another good starter to fill out their rotation. And it's not like the Cubs' lack for suitors.

Meanwhile, Dempster's still slated to start in St. Louis tonight.