Derrek Lee's lack of HRs? What to make of it?

[IrishSox14]

I think the main reason of his lack of HR this years is due to the fact that they brought in Soriano. They no longer turn to him for the long ball but to drive them in. With Aram healthy and hitting behind him, he just needs to get on base to set up Aram. Im thinking if the Cubs make a push, look for his HR to increase. Thats my 2 cents.

[tf77]

That's the other thing I noticed... He isn't swinging for the fences just trying to get on base. Still, he gets to see alot of pitches down and away, nothing he can drive really

[LukeW9027]

I think the main reason of his lack of HR this years is due to the fact that they brought in Soriano. They no longer turn to him for the long ball but to drive them in. With Aram healthy and hitting behind him, he just needs to get on base to set up Aram. Im thinking if the Cubs make a push, look for his HR to increase. Thats my 2 cents.

So you are saying the Cubs are telling him not to hit HR's anymore? give me a break. Also, if you ever watch any Cubs games, you would realize that Aram is not even close to being healthy, he can barely run. Lee just has been hitting tons of line drives and just doesnt seem to have the power in his swing. There are countless times where lee will hit the ball hard but fly out to deep left center, I cant put my finger on it. Hopefully he gets it going.

[alchemy]

From what I've seen -- watched a few games -- and read (his quotes), I don't think he's changed his approach at all. Could just be happenstance. He is hitting a lot of doubles which suggests he is hitting the ball well.

As an owner of both Lee and Vlad, I'm wishing more of their doubles would turn into home runs. And would be better off in the standings if this was the case. But not sweating it ... yet.

[MotorCityKitties]

Wrist injury... you do not want one of your hitters coming off a wrist injury... This year alone, look at Weeks, Delgado, Lee....

I agree with you but Sheff is coming off a wrist injury as well.

[mtxdevil]

Wrist injury... you do not want one of your hitters coming off a wrist injury... This year alone, look at Weeks, Delgado, Lee....

I agree with you but Sheff is coming off a wrist injury as well.

good point. And Sheff is killing the ball now.

[pangbones]

Wrist injury... you do not want one of your hitters coming off a wrist injury... This year alone, look at Weeks, Delgado, Lee....

I agree with you but Sheff is coming off a wrist injury as well.

Yes he is. But wasn't Lee's similar to the one Nomar had a few years back. He hasn't been the same since. Maybe Lee's power is gone!!

[ukrneal]

I think people were just expecting too much. He never was really a big HR hitter. The only reason he was usually ranked so high was the 20-20 proposition at 1B (or 30-15). How many 1B provide so many SB. So I really don't see much of a difference. He always hit more doubles, so this should not be new. If people were expecting 2005 results, they are of course upset. In terms of Runs and RBI, he is pretty much on track with historical numbers. The only real difference is probably his SB totals. But I don't think he is off career averages, he's just been a bit unlucky with more doubles and fewer HR.

[Mugrila]

I sort of had a sneaky suspicion that he wouldn't produce like everyone expected; I think he's having a solid season, but I'm glad I didn't take him as a 1st or 2nd round pick.

Check this out.

[Philomath]

I sort of had a sneaky suspicion that he wouldn't produce like everyone expected; I think he's having a solid season, but I'm glad I didn't take him as a 1st or 2nd round pick.

Check this out.

Very funny Mugrila, but your article is true. Lee's 2005 year was an anomoly. He has had a 280ish batting avg and approx 25 HRs over his career.