The Marlins and Astros are deep into talks about a deal that would send Carlos Lee to Miami, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports. The deal isn't completely done but there has been a whole lot of progress, Olney writes. Lee, who can block trades to 14 teams, including the Dodgers, has agreed to go to the Marlins, according to ESPN.
Lee left today's game against the Pirates before the contest ended, leading to speculation that trade talks might be picking up. As Olney notes, Marlins first basemen rank last among the 30 MLB teams with a combined .565 OPS this year.
Lee, 36, is earning $18.5MM in the final season of a six-year, $100MM contract. The Astros will absorb a "huge portion" of the $9MM remaining on his salary, Olney reports. Though Lee doesn't enjoy no-trade protection in the form of ten and five rights, his contract allows him to block trades to 14 clubs. The teams on his list are mostly in large markets, according to FOX Sports.
Lee has five homers and a .286/.336/.412 batting line in 274 plate appearances so far in 2012. Lee has slowed down in recent years, but his bat would still represent an upgrade over Gaby Sanchez's .194/.240/.283 batting line.
This post was first published on July 4th, 2012.
rovert22044
Get it done, Luhnow! You’ve done great so far; Keep it up!
richardb21
Lowrie also left the game early. Marlins don’t really have room for him but maybe another team is in on him.
tmengd
At the time I was thing Lowrie was being removed from game for double switch with pitcher or Heat exhaustion, but never know
Jared Webb
dont break my heart….I was so excited for a deal to send carlos to the dodgers for anything with a pulse. Actually i can see Carlos being happy in Miami with a heavy latin base….Jeff…..do work!!!
tmengd
well Lowrie and Shafer were also removed early from game. Everyone assumed all 3 were because of high temperatures and heat exhaustion. I doubt Lowrie would be moved but interesting he and lee left game at same time.
User 4245925809
Could actually see some kind of fit with the Fish, even beyond this year on a sub 3m deal. Marlins have a problem getting value out of Gaby however and his age is almost 30 already.
txftw
Why would you want to go to the Marlins instead of the Dodgers? Ozzie?
User 4245925809
“Why would you want to go to the Marlins instead of the Dodgers? Ozzie?”
Nah.. Guillen is who is being swapped for the good of the Miami community…
Kidding, but it would probably be better if Lee wasn’t reminded that Guillen was the manger..
tmengd
wonder what Marlins would give up? I think the Astros are just trying to get him off their 25 man at this point, so might be peanuts. They have 2 guys in AAA have good years that play first base. Although I am sure Wallace would get the call over the 34 year old even though he has hit 26 HR already.
Josh McGlothan
i wonder who would we get in this deal if the trade is completed as buster olney is reporting the astros will eat most of salary….
tmengd
trade just happened Sources: The Marlins are trading Matt Dominguez and P Rob Rasmussen for Carlos Lee. as Per Buster Olney. Lees locker is cleaned out and he is gone
55saveslives
Matt Dominguez and Rob Rasmussen
elscorchot
Hope this gets done.
tmengd
wow Dominguez and Rasmussen number 2 and 9 on Marlins Top 10 prospects