Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen knows Carlos Lee from their time together with the Chicago White Sox. Now Guillen hopes Lee can supply his characteristic brand of slugging on the field for the Miami Marlins, and give them some leadership off of it.

The Miami Marlins acquired Lee from the Houston Astros in a trade on Wednesday, sending 2 minor leaguers to Houston.

“It’s a significant move, I think, the front office, showing people how much we would like to win,” Guillen declared. “They show how much we care about winning this year; they showed the players that they’re willing to do anything to help this ballclub.”

The Astros acquired 3rd baseman Matt Dominguez and left-handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen in the deal. NFL spreads

Money details are still confusing, but Houston will absorb all the $9 million still owed to Lee for the remainder of the year apart from a prorated minimum income that’s about $250,000, sources declared.

“We felt like it was a beneficial time to infuse a veteran, pro, experienced bat into the lineup,” Marlins GM Michael Hill announced.

The 36-year-old Lee spent 5-plus seasons with the Astros and is hitting .287 with 5 homers and 29 RBIs this year.

Houston manager Brad Mills removed Lee in the 7th inning of a 6-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Lee’s locker was already empty by the point the clubhouse opened after the game.

The right-hander gives the Marlins a veteran hitter as they try to get into the race in the National League East. First base has been a problem for Miami this season, where regular Gaby Sanchez came into Wednesday’s game hitting .194 with 2 homers and 16 RBIs.

Sanchez hit his 3rd homer in Wednesday’s 7-6, 10-inning superiority over the Milwaukee Brewers, nevertheless it wasn’t enough. Hill said Sanchez had been optioned to AAA New Orleans.

“Unfortunately, 1st base hasn’t been a productive position for us, and we’re thinking about upgrading our offensive production at that position,” Hill recounted.

Guillen provided a rather more harsh evaluation of Sanchez’s play.

“It’s not simple, but that’s our job,” Guillen claimed. “I don’t think he should be blaming anyone. He should blame himself. We gave Gaby plenty of opportunities. The explanation why they made this move (is) obvious. We’ve not had much production from him, and in Carlos, we hope we’ve got more production. Folks don’t make moves just to make moves.”

Hill asserted Lee did not have to approve the trade because the Marlins weren’t mentioned on his limited no-trade clause. He is predicted to join the team in Milwaukee.

“Still a dangerous hitter,” Hill asserted. “He’ll fit nicely in the middle of our lineup. He’s a proved run producer, and we’re expecting him to come in and do what he’s done his complete career.”

That’s what Guillen will be relying on, particularly with runners on base.

“He will bring those guys in,” Guillen related. “He knows how to hit in an RBI scenario.”