On Derrek Lee
At some point, you have to stop talking about Derrek Lee's hot start and begin talking about Lee's brilliant season. I'd like to take a second to point this out. Start paying attention if you haven't been because these first seven weeks have already given us some remarkable moments from Lee. He's been good enough to deserve the kind of attention you give the superstars in the middle innings: focus on every at bat, every play in the field, every game.
One of the worst things about the season so far is that most of Lee's accomplishments have been reduced to a preface: "Except for Lee, no one has been driving in runs." The headlines have been injuries. Or the White Sox. (More on them, and their fans, tomorrow.) I guess up to a point it's alright, because everyone had to figure that Lee would cool off. Plenty of guys start out hot and then it evens out. It's just that now we're almost seven weeks into the season, and that's too long to be called just a hot start. It's too long to be called just a streak.
In the lineup, only Lee has stood out, and I can't think of anyone who has been more valuable to any team than Lee has been to the Cubs so far this year.
With all the chatter about everything else, I think we'd all do well to take a moment and concentrate on what we're watching with Lee, because it's been a magnificent season for him so far. We could be watching something really special develop. Even if this season never takes positive shape for the Cubs, watching Lee will be a delight. You might look back someday at the team that could never get it together, but you'll remember Lee playing every day at first base as well as any Cub has played first base in your lifetime.
And when they do get it together, Lee will deserve the bulk of credit for making it possible. He won't let you tell him that, because he has class. He won't tell you that either, because he has reverence. But make no mistake: for seven weeks, Lee has played the best of the new era of ballplayers. Let's stop talking about his hot start and start talking about his MVP caliber season.
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well said. the other thing worth mentioning is that numbers like these from Lee aren't that different from what his past few seasons would suggest he's capable of (except maybe for BA). by way of example: brian roberts has had a hot start; derrek lee is in the beginning stages of an outstanding season. but to have any shot at MVP, his team will have to start moving up in the standings.
Yeah, regretably the Cubs are dragging down Lee's achievements in the overall picture. You could also point out that his glove work at first base has saved numerous runs already is by itself is worth a couple wins in addition to his killer performance at the plate. Lee is putting together a standard seson for him, without the usual hole he dug himself right off the bat the last few years. I don't know that there is a player in MLB that I like better than Lee right now. His on-the-field performance is pretty much unparalleled right now, combined with his golve wokr and his workman like approach. Consider he does not appear to crave attention and seems like a true team player enjoying the MLB experience. What is there not to like.