PITTSBURGH — First baseman Derrek Lee declined arbitration from the Pirates as expected. The deadline was at midnight on Wednesday.
Despite declining arbitration, the Pirates will still seriously peruse Lee to return to the club in 2012. It was reported that Lee was likely to let free agent Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder sign before he made a decision on next season. If Lee signs with another club, the Pirates will receive a compensation pick between the first and second rounds of the 2012 draft.
After acquiring the 36-year-old from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline, Lee batted .337 with seven home runs and 18 RBI over 28 games with Pittsburgh.
If the Bucs are unable to resign Lee, the Pirates could fill the role internally. Garrett Jones Matt Hague, Jake Fox and Nick Evans are all being considered at first base in 2012.
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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