Derek Lee spent several days contemplating a decision that unlike the one LBJ had to make last month no one but himself and Cubs brass was even aware of. Lee's decision was whether or not to accept a trade that would have thrown him into the AL West pennant race with the Angels. Chicago and Los Angelas had agreed to a trade that would have shipped the former triple crown contender of a few seasons ago to California. The Angels acquired ace Dan Haren the other day to bolster their rotation but still desperately need more offense to contend with the high powered new look Rangers. LA has had a strangle hold on the AL West division since the turn of the century, highlighted by capturing the franchises first World Series championship in 2002. Despite coming into his own as an individual during his time on the south side of Chicago Lee has not experienced much team success with the cursed franchise. The Cubs appeared a in a couple post-seasons but have not won a playoff series with Lee as the team leader. This was very different from Lee's pre Cub days, he was a key cog of the 2003 world champion Florida Marlins. Lee was on the other side of the Bartman game, game 6 of the 03 NLCS when a Cubs fan, Steve Bartman, reached over and stole away a foul ball out, Moises Alou then proceeded to have a temper tantrum suitable for a 6 year old.
Lee made the decision to stay in the only league he has played in his whole career for at least the remainder of the season today. According to Lee his main reason for not deciding to make another run at a second ring for both him and the Angels was he wanted to finish what he started in Chicago and hopes to be a life long Cub (Lee is a free agent after the season). Despite choosing the struggling cursed Cubs instead of being the final piece to an LA team still in the hunt Lee stated that this was not an easy choice,"I really agonized over it" Lee said today referring to this trade offer. Derek Lee earned this right to turn down any trade due to the no trade clause added to his contract upon coming to Chicago.Some may say Lee balked at a chance to win again and did the Angels a disservice, others will say he showed loyalty to his current club and soon to be retired future Hall of Fame manager due to being the clear team leader. Either way Lee made the decision that he felt was best for him and in the end who are we to judge....?
The next chapter in the Lee Cub saga will be this off-season. He says he wants to re-sign long term, I have my reservations on if that will actually happen. This season Derek Lee is having his worst season since his rookie year in San Diego, hitting only .248 with 11 home runs and 44 rbi.
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