Okay, I have been reading that the Cubs should trade Derek Lee.  I have read that he is getting old and that it could free up his $13 million salary.  I think this is a crazy idea and doesn’t make any sense to me.  D. Lee plays great defense, hits for decent power and average and is an important member of this team.  Trading him would definitely hurt the team’s clubhouse chemistry too. There is something to be said for an organization staying loyal to it’s players.  D. Lee hit .291 this past season and drove in 90 runs.  Why in the world would you want to trade away a player like him!?!  I say keep him through his contract and then see what happens.  Plus, he has a complete no-trade clause.  I don’t see him wanting to leave this team any time soon.  The players in the Cubs’ clubhouse seem to have a bond that you don’t see that often in professional sports.  The Cubs won 97 games this season and now all they have to do is figure out how to win in the post-season.  The roster only needs tweaked.  No major overhaul as some out there have suggested.  If you want to rest Derek Lee more you have that option with Micah Hauffpauir.  

When it’s all said and done I know Derek Lee will be a Cub in 2009.  I don’t Jim Hendry would even consider trading him.  Plus, Hendry needs to focus on re-signing Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood.