Let the trade go through.

Here were preseason predictions for both hitters:

Player Team AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO AVG SLG
Paul Konerko CWS 573 95 161 26 0 41 105 0 0 77 102 .281 .541
Derrek Lee ChC 586 107 178 44 3 41 113 14 5 89 113 .304 .599


Lee is about 10% better in those projections.

Since Lee is older, will have 250 less at bats this year, and must prove the injury won't hurt his power, Konerko's 2006 will make up for Lee's 2005. Thus for two years we are guarenteed that the players are even.

After that we must decide if:

A) Lee comes back 100% from his injury
B) Lee proves that his 2005 wasn't a fluke year(its the only year he has ever had that doesn't match his other years, never hitting more than 32 HR's)
C) That Konerko continues improving. Looking at the 3 year curve for Konerko he has gotten better each of the past two years and his current year is better than last year.
D) The injured shoulder(June 2003) and elbow surgery(Jan. 2004) for Konerko is what caused his poor 2003 season.

By the way, the Angels were stupid enough to give Anderson a contract like Konerko's(and Lee's).