Cubs May Be Talking Derrek Lee Trade With Angels

According to Chicago Tribune sources, the Cubs may be in talks with the LA Angels involving first baseman Derrek Lee.

The Angels recently lost their first baseman, Kendry Morales, when he broke his leg in a freak accident at home plate after he hit a walk-off grand slam.

According to the Fred Mitchell and David Kaplan report, "Lee was a late scratch from Wednesday's lineup because of tightness in his right hamstring."

If Lee is in fact being dangled in trade talks, it would certainly be interesting, as it could signal the beginning of an admittance by the Cubs that the season isn't going anywhere.

In other words, it could be the Cubs version of the "White Flag" trade the Sox pulled off years ago, albeit much earlier in the season and with the Cubs further back in the standings.

Lee is off to a very slow start this season and is eligible to be a free agent following the season. It is unlikely the Cubs would consider resigning their first baseman, especially given the deep ongoing payroll demands plaguing the team.

While the report makes no mention of who the Cubs might get in return for Lee, it could be safely assumed that it would likely be a prospect.

The Cubs still owe him about $9 million in salary for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, if the Cubs do give up on the season, perhaps Lou Piniella may give up on the team.

According to my sources, Piniella has informed Jim Hendry that if the club is rebuilding for next year, he has no interest in hanging around.

If Piniella leaves, look for an interim manager such as Alan Trammel to step in to finish out the season before they decide whether to bring in Ryne Sandberg to manage next year.

So who would play first base for the Cubs if they do trade Lee?

Xavier Nady may be an option, while in the long-term look for them to consider moving Aramis Ramirez to first to make room for Josh Vitters at third.

Another, less likely, option could be trying outfielder Tyler Colvin at first to see if he could handle it, in an effort to get him more at-bats.