Derrek Lee: Triple Crown Threat

[CubsFan1982]

The Cubs' first baseman has exploded in a breakout year, leading the NL with a .380 AVG, 18 HR, and 54 RBI, as of the 7th inning of the Cubs-Marlins game tonight, leading the league in average and home runs, and two RBI behind the league leader. Can he keep it up and win the Triple Crown for the first time since Yaz did it in '67?

[JohnKleeb]

1. Dunno but I would love to see it

[kick-ass-bob]

2. I hope so.

Usually, he is slow in the early months - so maybe he has a shot - but this is a tough one. I wouldn't be surprised to never see another Triple Crown again.

[ProfessorGAC]

3. I Said No, But Not 'Cuz He'll Cool Off

Lee is a wonderful person as well as a player. When he got a suggestion to open his stance and step toward the plate instead of having a square stance and stepping forward, he said "OK, i'll try it." I think that's made a huge difference in his mechanics and he can get to the outside pitch now. I see him staying really solid for the rest of the season.

But, the Cubs don't have enough high OBP guys in front of him. If nobody is on, RBI's don't happen. I think he'll end up in the top 7 or so of RBI's, but still might win the batting title. Pujols will probably pass him in homers too, but Lee will be up near the top of that too.

So, while i don't see a huge cool off, i don't think he can win the Triple Crown.
The Professor