D-Lee just can't seem to turn on power switch

With the possible exception of the 2008 Bears, many times the most popular player on a struggling football team is the backup quarterback.

If the static coming from radio call-in shows and online message boards is any indication, playing the role of starting quarterback for the Cubs these days is first baseman Derrek Lee, who has been in a power funk in the final months of the season, precipitating calls for him to be dropped from the No. 3 spot in the batting order.

Consider Lee's numbers:

• His last home run, his 18th, came on Aug. 22. It was his first since July 27.

• He has 3 homers in his last 63 games after hitting 15 in his first 73.

Lee's arsenal lately has been mainly singles, a few doubles, and an awful lot of double-play balls.

What's going on?

Who better to ask than former Cubs great, sweet swinging Billy Williams? The Hall of Famer has been keeping an eye on Lee and doesn't think the first baseman's swing is too far off.

"Sometimes you get into a groove and you hit a lot of groundballs," Williams said. "I don't see anything he's doing differently.

"He's hitting line drives, too. He might be leaning a bit with his eyes. He's not getting the ball airborne. But you can't steer it, you just hit it."

Could it be the lingering effects of the wrist injury Lee suffered a few years back?

"I don't think so," Williams said. "He put up some power numbers last year."

Now playing the backup role to Lee is slugging first baseman Micah Hoffpauir, who was recently called up from Iowa where he put up some monster numbers - hitting .362 with 34 doubles, 25 home runs and 100 RBI.

Asked about his position as the proverbial backup quarterback, Hoffpauir demurred.

"I don't know about that," Hoffpauir said. "D-Lee's done a great job. When he needs a day off, I'm here for him.

"I'll definitely be taking some at-bats off the bench, and hopefully I'll be successful."

It's the fourth time this season Hoffpauir has been here - with the Cubs. And it all started following an impressive spring training.

In 19 games at the big-league level, Hoffpauir - who suffered a knee injury last year - has hit .378 (14-for-37) with 6 doubles and 8 runs scored.

"The way he swings and drives the ball, there's a place for him on any club," Williams said. "I heard a lot of talk from people in Triple A that he was in the wrong league - he should be in the big leagues."

So now that he's here, can he stick around a while?

"There's a possibility," Williams said with a laugh, "but he's got to find another position."