MLB Tribune

Cubs First Baseman Derrek Lee Needs a Big Year

by Scooter on 03/01/2010 in MLB News

Derrek Lee, like many other players entering contract years, will need to put up big numbers to get a contract extension from the Cubs or another club. Lee, 34, had respectable numbers in 2009 – 306/.393/.579. He finished with 35 home runs and a career-high 111 RBIs in 2009.

If Lee has a repeat of 2009, it will be up to New Cubs owner Tom Ricketts to reach deep in his pockets to keep Lee as a Cub.

Derrek Lee would prefer not to negotiate during the season. He told ESPN’s Bruce Levine that he is open to discussing an extension, but he won’t be approaching the team.

He’s finishing a five-year, $65MM extension signed after his career-best ’05 season. If he reaches free agency, Lee projects to join a first base class that might include Lance Berkman, Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, Adam LaRoche, and Carlos Pena. Lee seems likely to get a two or three-year deal worth more than $10MM per, but much rests on his 2010 production.

Derrek Lee Predictions for 2010

Avg: .309
OBP: .395
SLG: .582
HR: 31
RBI: 102

If he stays healthy, he should put up some decent numbers in 2010.