Reports: Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee nixes trade to Angels

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According to reports out of Chicago, Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee has used his rights as a player with 10 years of big-league experience and five with the same team to nix a deal to the Angels.

Update: Lee confirms he nixed the trade.

Both ESPNChicago.com and mlb.com in Chicago reported that Lee, who has played through chronic neck and back problems to bat .249 with 11 home runs and 44 runs-batted-in this season, told the organization he prefers to remain a Cub rather than accept a trade.

The Angels reportedly made a proposal in the last 10 days to acquire Lee, a 34-year-old who is a lifetime .282 hitter with 304 home runs and 983 RBIs. The Angels have been searching for a bat to replace first baseman Kendry Morales, who suffered a season-ending leg injury in late May.

-- Mike DiGiovanna