CBSSports.com Insider Jon Heyman reports that the Dodgers have a deal in place for Astros first baseman Carlos Lee; however, the deal hinges on whether Lee will waive his no-trade clause and accept the move to L.A. Our own Scott Miller recently reported that the two sides were in deep discussions.
As Heyman has already written, Lee has strong business ties to the Houston area, which explains his possible reluctance.
On the season, Lee is hitting .290/.342/.412, which is none too impressive given his defensive limitations. He could, however, be platooned with the unproductive James Loney at first base or even take over on a full-time basis. Still, Lee would at best a glancing upgrade and would likely not move the needle for the struggling Dodger offense.
Lee is owed the balance of an $18.5-million salary for 2012. That means the Astros would likely be sending cash along with Lee and getting little in return in the way of prospects.
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