6/6 18:49: The Cubs have said that there is no truth to the report that they have spoken with the Angels about a trade for Derrek Lee.

A source suggested the Angels haven’t aggressively pursued a trade for help yet and may not have Lee on their radar, at least at this point.

(Chicago Sun-Times)

6/4 23:52: Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune says that Derrek Lee is not paying much to the trade rumors surrounding him.

“I think it happens with every team,” Lee said. “When you’re not playing well trade rumors pop up. When you turn it around and play well, you won’t hear them. It’s just part of the business.”

“Who are the ‘excellent sources?’” Lee asked. “I’ve heard nothing on it. I’ve got nothing for you.”

Sullivan says that Lee wants to stay with the Cubs, but he also makes his home in California so Los Angeles may be a good spot for him.  Lee also has a no-trade clause in his contract so the Cubs could not trade him without his approval.

6/3 01:50: According to the sources of Fred Mitchell and David Kaplan of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Cubs may be involved in trade talks to send first baseman Derrek Lee to the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels lost their first baseman, Kendry Morales, on Saturday when he broke his leg celebrating a walk-off grand slam. You can see the video here.

The Angels also have been rumored to targeting Xavier Nady of the Cubs as a possible replacement to Morales. Lee obviously has more experience playing first base than Nady does, but you cannot rule Nady out.

Lee, 34, is hitting .232/.339/.366 with 6 home runs this season.