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Carlos Lee Trade: Marlins Acquire Astros First Baseman

The Miami Marlins have acquired first baseman Carlos Lee from the Houston Astros in return for two minor league prospects.

July 4, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Carlos Lee (45) waits on deck against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
July 4, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Carlos Lee (45) waits on deck against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The Miami Marlins spent quite a bit of money in free agency before the 2012 season, going after big bats and big names to go with their new name, look, and stadium. The Marlins couldn't get quite all the pieces they needed, but have made a move to add some much needed offense to first base by acquiring Carlos Lee from the Astros.

A few days ago, Lee vetoed a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but appears to be taking his talents to South Beach to join the Fish. The 36-year old Lee is in the final year of a six-year, $100 million deal. With the trade being completed, the Astros will pay a "huge portion" of the $9 million left on Lee's deal.

Lee is hitting .286 on the season with five home runs and 29 RBI and will be an upgrade over the struggling Gaby Sanchez in the lineup.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Marlins, visit Fish Stripes. Head over to Baseball Nation for more news and notes from around the Major Leagues.

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.