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Carlos Lee

Houston Astros — No. 45
Left Fielder
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
Major League Baseball debut
May 7, 1999 for the Chicago White Sox
Selected MLB statistics (through 2006)
Batting average	.286
Home runs	221
RBI's	782
Former teams
Chicago White Sox (1999-2004) Milwaukee Brewers (2005-2006) Texas Rangers (2006) Houston Astros (2007-present)

Carlos Noriel Lee (born June 20, 1976 in Aguadulce, Panama) is a left fielder in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed. Lee is among baseball's top run-producers.

Lee made his major league debut with the Chicago White Sox on May 7, 1999, hitting a home run in his first-ever Major League at-bat. He would remain in the White Sox organization until being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for outfielder Scott Podsednik and pitcher Luis Vizcaino. Many people thought this was a lopsided trade for the Brewers, considering the caliber of a player Carlos was, however the White Sox ultimately ended up winning the world series with Podsednik and Vizcaino as regular players in their lineup.

Lee was the White Sox' starting left fielder for the first six years of his career, with only a few games a season as a designated hitter. He can hit for both average and power. From 2001-02, his batting average slumped to the .260s, but he has returned to exceeding .300, and has a career average of .288. His home run totals have continually increased over the years, as he has had at least 31 in each of the last three seasons.

While Lee has provided steady production, he has not often been amongst the top ten in offensive categories or received awards for performance. His best showing being in the National League with 114 RBI. He was selected for the National League All-Star team in his first two seasons as Brewer, and participated in the Home Run Derby in 2005.

On July 28, 2006, he was traded to the Rangers with minor league outfielder Nelson Cruz for outfielders Kevin Mench and Laynce Nix, relief pitcher Francisco Cordero, and minor league pitcher Julian Cordero. [1] According to Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin, the Brewers attempted to resign Carlos Lee, but by the evening of July 27th, it became apparent he would not sign a contract extension. The Brewers reportedly offered a 4 year, $48 million contract extension, close to the 4 year, $50 million extension David Ortiz signed earlier in 2006. Lee's agent Adam Katz said the two parties were too far away in negotiations and did not make a counter-offer.

On November 24, 2006, Lee had agreed to a 6-year, $100 million contract with the Houston Astros.[2]

• Has issued a challenge to Bartolo Colon that he can outeat him in the annual hot dog eating contest back in his home country of Panama. Lee is often known for his witty sense of humor.
• Lee is 6' 2" tall and weighs 240 lb. He graduated from Rodolfo Chiari High School. He is married and has two daughters, Cassandra and Karla and a son, named Karlos. His brother, also named Carlos, plays professional baseball in the Brewers minor league system.
• Lee's nickname is "El Caballo," which means "The Horse." He was given his nickname by White Sox television announcer Hawk Harrelson. When he played for the Brewers, there was a sign in the left field corner that read "El Caballo's Corner."
• Lee owns and operates a cattle ranch in Panama during the offseason.
• On April 10, 2006, Lee collected the first hit at the St. Louis Cardinals' new Busch Stadium.

Carlos Lee (Updated as of 2006)

	Games	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BA
Career	1203	4570	711	1308	270	11	221	782	96	.286

• Baseball-Reference.com - career statistics and analysis