UPDATE: The Cubs have finalized a deal that will send first baseman Derrek Lee to the Braves for minor league pitchers Jeffery Lorick, Robinson Lopez, and Tyrelle Harris.
Lorick, 22, has posted a 2.24 ERA in a little over 50 innings in Single-A this season, but still has a way to go before proving himself a legitimate prospect.
Lopez, 19, is doing a decent job in Single-A, but he probably has the best shot of the three to have an impact in the higher levels.
Harris, 23, is pitching well in Double-A so far but has failed to show any consistency worth noting. He may fit in as a late inning reliever, but he would surprise everyone if he made the club out of
UPDATE: Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee will reportedly accept a trade to the Braves, according to ESPN.com.
The Cubs and Braves are reportedly in talks over a trade that would send Derrek Lee to the Braves for prospects and cash. While Lee has a full no-trade clause, and has exercised it already this season when he was nearly traded to the Angels at the trade deadline, the Cubs are confident he would approve the deal.
The Braves are 2.5 games ahead of the Phillies, and the addition of Lee would allow the team to shift Troy Glaus back to the third, giving them an even stronger lineup heading down the stretch.
Lee, who is owed 3.4 million dollars for the rest of the season, is not having his best season. Lee hit .251 with 16 home runs and a .335 on-base percentage, but is hitting .313 in 24 games since the All-Star Break, including six home runs. Lee is historically a strong finisher, and his recent play has only reaffirmed that.
Lee is dealing with a bulging disk in his back, but the two sides will know by tomorrow whether he will be ready to suit up again.
The players the Cubs are reportedly in talks to receive are in the lower levels of the minor leagues.