Lee to join Pirates on Monday
Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com
First baseman Derrek Lee did not travel to Philadelphia on Sunday to be with the Pirates for their series finale against the Phillies. Lee talked with manager Clint Hurdle on Saturday night — after the deal became official — and told Hurdle that he needed to travel from New York back to Baltimore to take care of some things with his family.
He is expected to be in uniform for the Pirates’ series opener against the Cubs on Monday.
“I respect his decision,” Hurdle said. “I don’t try to figure all that out and speculate. He’ll get here when he’s ready to go. He wants to get here sooner rather than later.”
The Pirates will not make a roster move until Lee shows up. That means that Lyle Overbay’s status remains in limbo. Overbay met with Hurdle before Sunday’s game and was then put in the lineup to play first base. Overbay said he did not have any more information about his status than anyone else.
Hurdle did not disclose where he expects Lee to slot into the lineup, though obviously the newly-acquired first baseman will be a regular starter.
“He’s a veteran Major League player that has a very strong pedigree,” Hurdle said. “We believe that he has productive baseball left in him.”
Follow me on Twitter: @LangoschMLB
Jennifer, I have found your reporting to be very enjoyable and professional over the last few months–it was great to see a female MLB blogger and great baseball enthusiast!! However, I thought your last twitter comment regarding comparing Lyle Overbay’s RBI’s to Pedro Ciraco, was tacky, uncalled for; and most of all unprofessional. Covering this business as you do, you know how difficult MLB baseball is, and the unyielding effort these players put in. I expect that from unknowing, obnoxious fans; not a professional journalist.
Shame on you….
a fellow female fan