After the Angeles proposed a deal for the Chicago Cubs' first baseman, Lee rejected the trade on Wednesday, invoking his 10-and-5 rights. According to MLB.com, Lee chose to stay in Chicago for family reasons, even though he's currently building a home in Southern California.
"It's not as simple as you have a home there," Lee told reporters. "There's a lot of thought that goes into it outside of just a home. I thought about it for a good 24 hours and really kind of agonized over it," the first baseman said. "I think the bottom line is family. I like Chicago, I enjoy my teammates. It was the decision we made."
Cubs GM Lou Piniella –who found out about the deal during the seventh inning of Wednesday's game– was thrilled with the choice of his first baseman, who has batted .333 with 17 runs and eight RBIs since July 6. His teammates were also happy with his decision.
"Derrek's a very standup guy, as you all know," Cubs infielder Ryan Theriot said. "He's somebody I've looked up to as a teammate and a person. Knowing he wants to be here says a lot about Chicago and the organization and the city. He's not alone in feeling that way. If more of us had that right to do that, more of us would."
The Angels were looking to secure a solid bat in Lee, as they lost slugger Kendry Morales (.290 BA, 11 HR) on May 29 to a broken leg during a celebration ceremony at home plate. Since Lee has been in the league for more than 10 years, and has spent more than five of them with the Cubs, he was able to reject the trade.
