Time To Trade Lee?

by Eli Greenspan on Oct 8, 2008 8:47 PM EDT

Is it time to trade Derrek Lee? Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee is a fan favorite among Cubs fans, but could he be hurting the team? He only hit .291 with 20 HR in the three spot, while grounding into the most double plays in the league. Maybe moving him to the five spot and Soriano to third would make a difference, but it looks like Lee is starting to decline. He has slowed down in the field and was injured through his prime, barely able to hit 20 homeruns over the past two seasons. Trading Lee while his value is somewhat high would bring in a solid pitcher or two, while opening a spot for the Cubs to make a splash. I'm not saying trade Lee and use some of that money to sign Mark Teixeira, but that would show the Cubs' commitment to winning.

The Angels, Atheltics, Mariners, and Giants are all in the market for a first baseman, and have the prospects worth the Cubs' while. We'll see what happens.
This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

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No way, no how do the Ms trade for Lee. We're in rebuilding mode and are not looking for any big named veterans unless they're in the bargain bin.

by Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 11:46 PM EDT reply actions

I say no way the Cubs trade Lee. Although his numbers are starting to drop he is still a productive 1B. Like it says in the article, I think they should just drop him to 5th and aquire a leadoff hitter so Soriano can bat 3rd. Kotsay, Roberts, or Hudson would be a good fit for their leadoff spot.

by Corey on Oct 9, 2008 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Typical fan thought about trading DLee. He might have worn down due more to every day load and not injury where if the Cubs were smart they would elevate AAA player of the year Haufpauir to platoon more with DLee once a week so he is stronger at the end of the season.

The changes the Cubs need to make are with their other stars:

1) Sign CC Sabbathia who is in his prime and supplant Psuedo-Aces of Zambrano, Harden and Dempster and give the Cubs the absolute best rotation in both leagues.
2) Trade Ramirez who has failed the Cubs in the cleanup role in consecutive years in the playoffs for a player like Holiday who is a peaking hitter. Cubs would have to trade a AAA pitcher like Hill.
3) Trade Soriano who also is a psuedo-star and non lead off hitter to the Mariners who will want to dump Ichiro...this would be a money swap deal where the Cubs would take on $3M more a year while dropping about $20M in years. Cubs would also have to include Pie and possibly another AAA pitcher (Marshall or Ceda).

This would revamp the stars on the club, better rotation; better OF offense and provide a cultural connection for Ichiro and Fukudome in the OF. Cubs then could move Lee to cleanup or 5th spot, play DeRosa at 3B and Fontenot at 2B and have a better offense.

Cubs need to up the ante, not sell

by Bob Nemanich on Oct 9, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

I dont think this is that far off base... Teixeria is a free agent this summer and the Cubs NEED a left handed power hitter in the line up. It should be noted that Teixeira's defense is on par with Lee's so nothing lost in the feild. Lee does have the right to refuse a trade but if the Cubs could find a trade partner it might be worth a look... Thoughts???

by Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 11:53 AM EDT reply actions