Derrek Lee Has a Home for Another Year

Derrek Lee, who agreed to terms with the Baltimore Orioles last week, finalized the one-year deal Thursday for $7.25 million.

Lee, who will have the opportunity to earn an additional $2.75 million in performance bonuses, hit 19 home runs with 80 RBI last season between the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves.

Derrek Lee Rejects Trade to Angels

After considering for a moment whether he'd like to be traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Derrek Lee politely declined.

It was very tempting, I didn't just say no right away... For me and my family, the best thing to do is to stay here.

The Chicago Cubs first baseman used his veteran power to block the trade, having been in the league for ten seasons and with the same club for five.

Carlos Zambrano Flips the Hell Out

Carlos Zambrano has clearly lost his mind. The Chicago Cubs fired-up right-hander was suspended indefinitely by general manager Jim Hendry after going batshit crazy during a confrontation with teammate Derrek Lee in the dugout Friday afternoon.

Things got heated right away during his team's 6-0 loss to the cross-town White Sox, as Big Z threw a giant hissy in the middle of the first inning, never to return to the mound... or the stadium... or possibly the organization.

Actions Taken for Brawl at Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young were suspended for five games each today following the bench-clearing brawl they started last Saturday at Wrigley Field.

Now, I've heard all kinds of nonsense in my day, but hearing the rumor that the reason for the confrontation was because Young talked trash about D Lee's sick 3-year-old daughter is about the dumbest crap my ears have ever heard.

They're both great guys, great players and this was about nothing other than baseball.

Cubs hitting coach Gerald Perry was suspended for three games as well, for his role in the melee.

If for some reason you don't know, Lee was hit by a pitch from Young, walked to first, had words with the pitcher, then threw a punch. Young swung back and the benches emptied.

Both players along with Perry were also fined by baseball's vice president of discipline. In addition, San Diego's Brian Giles and Jake Peavy were fined.

[Gaslamp Ball] | [Bleed Cubbie Blue]