Derrek Lee Joins Cubs Fight Club

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 18, 2007 5:59PM

The fireworks continued to fly this past weekend at the again-not-so-Friendly Confines. Derrek Lee became the latest member of the Cubs to throw a punch, when he went after San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young in the fourth inning after being plunked on the hand by a pitch. The altercation led to a bench-clearing brawl. In addition to Young and Lee, Padres pitcher Jake Peavy and Cubs hitting coach Gerald Perry were also tossed from the game.

Almost lost in the scuffle, Carlos Zambrano pitched another incredible game, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning before surrendering a hit. He let up a solo homer in the ninth and actually took the loss despite the two-hit, one-run complete game.

Derrek Lee now awaits word from the commissioner's office on his punishment. Lee's likely to be suspended for a few games, and he could learn his fate as soon as today. While Carlos Zambrano's and Michael Barrett's dugout and clubhouse brawls, along with Manager Lou Piniella's on-field tirade, seemed to fire up the Cubs on their way to 9-5 record over a two-week period, will the latest act of aggression have the same effect? Or will the loss of Lee's bat cause the Cubs to come back to Earth once again? They face the lowly Texas Rangers before visiting the White Sox at U.S. Cellular next weekend. How will the Cubs' new aggression manifest itself in such hostile territory? At least now there's some reason to tune in.

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh.