Sometimes it's more fun to compete with your friends, because you can talk a little trash with them.

- Derrek Lee

If you write in the paper 'Lee stinks,' that's not going to affect me. I'll just laugh. And if you write 'Derrek Lee is the best player in the league…

- Derrek Lee

I want to be on that team that wins the world championship here in Chicago and sees the city go crazy.

- Derrek Lee

If they watch me play, people will say I'm not into it or whatever. That's okay. I kind of like it. People don't know how much work I'm putting into …

- Derrek Lee

I miss basketball every now and then.

- Derrek Lee

It's not like I'm an introvert. You get to know me, I can have a conversation with you. But in front of the media, I'm probably more of a quiet guy.

- Derrek Lee

You just get better with age. You learn yourself and the league. I'm starting to understand more about hitting every year.

- Derrek Lee

As a first baseman, hitting home runs is what's expected of me. But I don't really try to hit home runs.

- Derrek Lee

Defense is something I take pride in. I feel it's just as important as offense. They should have RBIs for defensive plays.

- Derrek Lee