Angels trade Lee to Pirates

[Bronx Bombers]

ESPN's Pedro Gomez reports from Anaheim... In a shocking move, the Los Angeles Angels have decided to part ways with Carlos Lee to the most strangest of destinations - Pittsburgh.  The Pirates have been retooling for 2011 and beyond, but their recent inquiry for a veteran outfielder made this deal possible.  Lee has a problem in the dugout and his bad play has affected his teammates. Angels GM, Devin Brown, had this to say about the strange deal: "Talent evaluation hasn't been a problem for this organization, but we are in limbo being a big-market contender with limited fiscal room.  The Angels are putting their best effort at making a run for the playoffs this season with a hope that many contracts can be put to rest or restructured by 2011.  A title run will keep the Angels in the big-market stratosphere for 2012+.".  Without further ado, here's the big shocking deal...

:LAA: to :PIT:
OF Lee, Carlos, $16.5m (2012) + $11.5m in 2010, $6m in 2011, $6m in 2012
P Ramirez, Edwar, $0.5m (2010)
OF Krauss, Marc, $0.5m (P-n/a)

:PIT: to :LAA:
OF Carter, William Chris, $0.5m (P-n/a)
CI-OF Hall, Bill, $0.5m (2010)
SP-RP Bonser, Boof, $1.5m (2010)
3-2 PIT (from PHI from BAL)
4-17 PIT (from CHC from OAK)

Devin here, not Pedro... I'll be playing ring around the rosy with OF Pierre, Carter, Hall, Langerhans, and Kapler.  Hall gives me some flexibility with his CI eligibility.  Bonser is coming off the DL as well. 

Lee remains a financial liability through 2012, but I clear a total $26m in cap room, and hopefully move to a more consistent bat in the OF.  The draft picks help for another deal that I am making.

[Colby]

:LAA: to :PIT:
OF Lee, Carlos, $16.5m (2012) + $11.5m in 2010, $6m in 2011, $6m in 2012
P Ramirez, Edwar, $0.5m (2010)
OF Krauss, Marc, $0.5m (P-n/a)

:PIT: to :LAA:
OF Carter, William Chris, $0.5m (P-n/a)
CI-OF Hall, Bill, $0.5m (2010)
SP-RP Bonser, Boof, $1.5m (2010)
3-2 PIT (from PHI from BAL)
4-17 PIT (from CHC from OAK)

Buccos accept.  Nice preface Devin...  I am a strange recipient in this deal, but as far as I see it, I at least get something certain in Lee.  I sense a huge demand with less than optimal supply in FA this off-season.  This will drive up the prices.  This happened this past year with inflated contracts.  One or two less FA acquisitions means more money in my pocket.

Bonser isn't going to do much for me next year and neither is Hall although he has turned out to be useful.  Carter is 28 this year and is slumping with the Mets. 

The return on this deal is Lee at $5m this year and $10.5m the next two years.  That is a heavy price to pay, but the guy is a 2nd half monster and a favorite of mine.  I don't believe he is done, but I'll find a way to restructure that contract going into next year.

[Needle Juice]

 :iatp:

Interesting Deal, but it works for me.

[bridgestone]

:iatp:

Interesting Deal, but it works for me.

Wise words Rob.  I approve this deal as well... let me put my sign up:  :iatp:

As a friend of Devin's, I know his goals in this league, but I am not sure what he has up his sleeve.  Lee will now be producing for an NL Central rival while the A's and Rangers become stronger because of this move.

I get the guy has negative stats still, but that just means he will produce even more in the 2nd half.  Lee's contract cripples the Pirates a bit, but they're probably right about FA as I am gearing up big-time for it.