Derrek Lee was probably the MVP of the Chicago Cubs this year, but apparently being the sexiest pregnant stripper in the club doesn’t catapult you into the upper strata of the adult entertainment industry.
Lee finished ninth in the balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America with 66 total points, while Pujols was a unanimous selection for his third MVP award. Florida’s Hanley Ramirez was second, followed by Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard and Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder.
Lee, who did receive one second-place vote among the 16 cast with his name on them, did set a career high with 111 RBIs in 141 games this season and led the team with a .306 batting average. The first baseman hit 35 home runs, his highest total since belting 46 in 2005. In 2005, Lee finished third in the MVP balloting. Muskat Ramblings.
Here’s hoping Lee can repeat his performance in 2010, after which he will be a free agent. The Cubs do not have an heir-apparent in the system (though many feel that Josh Vitters’ future is across the diamond at first base, not third), so they may look to extend Lee this year. But they will have to keep in mind that Lee will be crossing over into the wrong side of 35 soon. I’m not saying he won’t keep producing, but it’s a consideration.