On Thursday, Fred Mitchell and David Kaplan of the Chicago Tribune cited “excellent baseball sources” who told them that the Cubs may be involved in trade talks that would send Derrek Lee to the Angels. On Friday, Lee told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune that he hasn’t heard anything about it.
“Who are the ‘excellent sources?'” Lee asked. “I’ve heard nothing on it.
I’ve got nothing for you.”
Lee, 34, is in the final year of a five-year, $65 million contract, so it would make some sense for the Cubs to shop him if they are still out of the race in July. They’d probably have to kick in some of his remaining $13 million salary in order to do so, especially if he continues to hit poorly. Keep in mind that his contract includes a no-trade clause, so the Cubs would have to get Lee’s approval on any potential deal.
