Houston Astros Notes: Carlos Lee, Dodgers, Jose Altuve

The Astros are struggling through their final season in the National League, but they are trying to build for the

future.  Trading players like Carlos Lee will help, but can they find suitors that work for both sides?  Here are your Astros notes:

• Carlos Lee officially rejected a trade to the Dodgers yesterday.  According to Buster Olney of ESPN, Lee vetoed the possible trade to the Dodgers by invoking his limited no-trade clause.  The Dodgers, and the rest of the world, were aware of Lee’s plans by Saturday, so Los Angeles pulled out of the trade talks before Lee made his official decision.
• David Dalati of Fox Sports Houston thinks the Astros should take some blame in the failed trade of Lee.  He points out that Lee’s contract was the brainchild of Houston’s former owner, Drayton McLane even though those around him warned him about making such a deal.  Dalati also pointed out that Lee has always made his commitments to his ranches in Wharton County, Texas and in Panama apparent.  The previous Astros regime was aware of this and should have known it could under any possible trades in the future.
• Rookie Jose Altuve will be making his first Major League All-Star Game.  He was called-up by the Astros last season and made his debut on July 20, 2011.  While Altuve saw too many at-bats to be considered for Rookie of the Year this year, the All-Star nod is a nice consolation prize.  According to Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle, Altuve becomes one of just nine players to go from the Futures Game the year before to the All-Star Game in one season.

For more on the Astros, be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.