Following their change in ownership and front office revamping, the Houston Astros have been fairly silent this winter. The team did make one trade, shipping Mark Melancon to the Boston Red Sox, but Houston still has several veterans that many anticipated would be moved. Interest could be picking up in one of said veterans, as Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe reported yesterday that the Astros have spoken with the Tampa Bay Rays as well as a few other clubs regarding slugger Carlos Lee.
Lee has routinely seen his name floated in trade rumors over the past several seasons, but the 35-year-old’s contract makes any trade difficult. After earning $19 million annually over the past three years, Lee is set to make $18.5 million in 2012, the final year of his deal.
Lee’s numbers have also waned over the past several seasons, making the chances of any team desiring him at his lofty price tag slim.
It now appears that the Astros would be willing to eat a significant portion of Lee’s salary to help facilitate a trade. Carfado reported that the Rays checked in on the veteran as they have been seeking a bat, but, even with the Astros taking on a “big hunk” of Lee’s contract, the Rays weren’t willing to add the remaining salary.
Lee has been durable over his career, playing in 150 games in all but two seasons since 2000, and sports a career line of .286/.339/.491. While he did split time between the outfield and first base last season for the Astros, Lee should ultimately land with an American League club which has the option of inserting him into their designated hitters role.
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