The Marlins had a deal in place to send Carlos Lee to the Yankees before the trade deadline, but the first baseman invoked his no-trade clause for the second time this season. Despite that, Lee told Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald that he is happy in Miami and hopes to return to the team in 2013.
“I like this team,” said Lee. “I don’t know what their plans are, but I like it here.”
Spencer hears the Lee's representatives at Wasserman Media Group have already spoke to the club about coming back next season, though they would like to use Logan Morrison at first base.
The 36-year-old Lee has hit .301/.398/.369 with one homer and more walks (17) than strikeouts (13) in 123 plate appearances since being acquired from the Astros. He is making $18.5MM this summer, the final year of the six-year, $100MM contract he signed with Houston prior to 2007.
His numbers look ok but the poor old man is delusional. They were practically shoving him down other team’s throats at the deadline and they are a horribly run organization, but he wants to stay there?
He’d be on the Astros since 2007, everywhere else must seem like heaven to him now
Yeah, because he’s experienced soooo much winning with Miami…
Easy now Pat.. You are a Pirates fan and they have been a poster child for horribly ran organizations over the last 2 decades until the last 3-4 seasons and Miami/Marlins do have a couple of WS wins, decent records in between those.
Lets say they make some mistakes and this season is another tear down, just not following a 3rd WS.
IIRC, Florida is a no income tax state (I think that TX may be as well), and Lee may not want to go to any team in a high state income tax state (such as NY), since that would represent a significant pay cut.
Not sure the easiest way to put this without offending anyone, but for those who have trouble remembering Right to work States? If they were either original, or later joined the CSA (Confederate States of America) then they are Right to work states.
Not sure how many “Blue” states are, do realize some have taken steps towards that goal the last few years.
Makes no sense to keep him around with LoMo taking over 1B next season. Lee in the OF would be a mistake, which would relegate him to a bench role. Something tells me he wouldn’t go for that.
There’s no way they should leave LoMo out in LF if they can move him to 1B. Lee, sorry, but if you want to stay with the Marlins, do some serious exercise this offseason, try losing 40 pounds, gaining a lot of running speed, and then we’ll see.
I love when a fan tells a professional player what he should do
There are times when fans know better than the player and his agent. I explicitly told Johnny Damon to accept the Yankees offer of $14 MM for 2 years. Did he listen? NOOOO!!! He went and signed with the Tigers for 1 year @ 8MM and then with Tampa for again 1year @ 3MM. Just because they are professional athletes doesn’t mean they’re smarter than the average fan.
A small part of me always wanted to see Lee return back to the Astros this Offseason now that they will have a Designated Hitter. With that being said however, I do like how he fits with Miami. I may be in the minority in that regard because people will see how the Marlins tried to dump Lee and how Morrison is destined for 1B but Lee fits in Miami.
I really liked the move they made to acquire him in the short term because he was an upgrade over Gaby Sanchez. At that point in time did I expect them to trade Hanley, Sanchez, and others? Absolutely not. Regardless Lee can still drive runs for a team who I expect to be better now that a player like Hanley who was only in it for himself is gone.
I would not be surprised if Carols Lee intends to use Miami (or Tampa Bay) as leverage with the Astros in that regard…he could still be a good bat. I see Lee next season with the Rays or Astros, however.
I don’t understand why Lee liking Miami happened “despite” his invoking the no-trade clause. Wouldn’t electing not to leave be an INDICATOR that he wanted to stay?
There are a lot of reasons why he might invoke it. His family might not want to go (his stated reason for vetoing the Dodgers deal), and extra taxes on his salary, etc.
Indeed. Going from a no state income tax state to CA, the state with the highest state income tax (I think) would represent a significant pay cut.
So Carlos, you like it in Miami, eh? Do you like It for $3MM a year?
He will take a pay cut to stay or go back to a Texas team. Anywhere he does not have to pay his taxes. Sadly Lee has gone from a guy who loved the sport to a guy who wants more $$$$. Most play for a ring, El Caballo plays for the size of his wallet. I am neither a bitter Yanks or Dodgers fan. Just an observation from a fan of the game.
When you’ve already banked well over $100 million, are taxes really that much of a concern? Seems like I’d just want to play in the best place that fits where I want to be.
not to insult the guy but i started to feel like he is in it just for the money and not to contend he has passed on not one but two teams heading to the playoffs. Its a shame to see that. Hopefully he finds a place next year but his options could be limited.
Carlos Lee is not a long term guy with The Florida Marlins.. If he was smart he would of proved a trade to The Dodgers or Yankees. Lee is declining at 36 years old, has no power.
Only reason why I can see Carlos Lee rejecting this trade…taxes. Florida and Texas have no state income tax.
I like it here….I don’t have to pay state tax!
C. Lee should travel up north to Orlando. I hear the Magic are looking for a center.
cant believe they didn’t get bynum
Carlos Lee is destined for a minor league deal in the offseason. He might still be useful in a bench role.
I think you meant to type “James Loney” there.
those names are interchangeable.
i can pretty much guarantee you houston has no interest in bringing back carlos lee. honestly, i can see pretty much all teams passing on him, and he ends up having to retire. no power, no speed, no defense, no desire to win…gee, what’s left?
As an Astros fan, I believe Carlos Lee’s time has come and gone. If the Astros pick up a veteran DH (and that is a big IF) then they will look at Lance Berkman, if he is able to play for another year. Berkman would like to finish his career with the Astros, and could serve in the DH role in their first year in the AL. Only other place he would play is St.Louis, if they really want him back.
“Please, let me stay here! Anywhere but Houston!”
If that were true, he wouldn’t have blocked the trade to L.A.
.301/.398/.369? So at this point, he’s the new late-era Bobby Abreu, only slower, and even less useful defensively?
I can see the Indians taking a look at him. They need a power bat from the right side (not sure if the power is there anymore though), and with Hafner probably gone after this year, they’ll need a new DH. I’m not sure I like Lee in an Indians uniform, but the organization seems to love signing guys after their prime for low money and hoping they can catch a flash in the pan. I love my organization ….