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

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

- 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

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

- 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

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

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