Turning History on its Head

What does the Cubs' 16-6 blowout of the Diamondbacks have in common with 100 lawyers at the bottom of the sea

A good start.

Especially for Derrek Lee, 4-6, one dinger and 5, count em, 5 runs batted in. Let's put this into perspective. A year ago, Derrek didn't get his 5th rbi until game 13 on April 19. He did pick up 4 that day but finished the month .233 2 11.

Two years ago, while still a Florida Marlin, Lee knockd in # 5 in game 10 vs. Atlanta, a particularly great series for Derrek, who had 3 rbi's for the day and a day later added 5 more. But at month's end, his totals were a bit better at .272 4 16.

In 2002, Lee started off strong in a series with the Montreal Expos and collected rbi # 5 during game 2. He got 4 that day. That was the year he cleard the fences in each of the first three games, all against Expo pitching. He faltered after that, ending up hitting just .221 for the month of April.

Fascinating that whenever Lee got his 5th rbi he always gets at least 2, and often 3 more the same day. More importantly, however, Derrek Lee has a chance to turn around his usual anemic start and yesterday's pasting of Arizona was just the ooomph he needed. Now, keep it going Big D. You are a star.

I apologize to all the lawyers out there for the opening jibe. Please don't sue me!