Carlos Lee: Low Risk, High Reward

The Marlins addition of Carlos Lee primarily serves as a low risk upgrade to the offense. Despite giving up top prospects Matt Dominguez and Rob Rasmussen, Miami’s minor league system will not be left bare as a result of this deal. Dominguez merely projects as a defensive replacement while Rasmussen, only recently promoted to Double A, is projected to serve as an eventual relief pitcher. Houston, devoid of much minor league talent, is looking to acquire prospects that have a chance of making an impact at the Major League Level. The Astros among most teams for that matter, in need of prospects, are of the opinion that a growing number of prospects acquired make it more likely for someone to make an overall impact in the Majors.

Carlos Lee, this season, has hit .287 with a total of five home runs. The Marlins have had arguably the worst production from First Base in the Majors as a whole. Having the lowest on base plus slugging percentage (ops) for that position, it was clear that action must be taken to upgrade production at First. Lee, throughout the course of his career has been seen as a legitimate power bat. With 354 career home runs and three all star appearances, the Marlins hope that the declining veteran still has something to offer. Miami made this trade in mind with the idea that Lee would be re-energized by a change of scenery and thus would work harder, a trait he lacked in his final years with a struggling Houston franchise.

Lee will be injected into the Third Spot of a struggling Marlins batting order. The goal is for him to hit in front of Giancarlo Stanton. However, in light of Stanton’s knee injury Lee is expected to be an additional power threat that Gaby Sanchez has failed to provide this season. All in all this is a low risk addition for the Marlins. Lee, a rental with an expiring contract, will be paid the Major League minimum for Miami and will provide a much needed veteran presence and power threat in the heart of the Marlins order.