The Indians were approached by the Astros about Carlos Lee, but the issue was money:
The issue in those talks is that the Tribe would need the Astros to assume more than half of Lee's salary. To take on a contract in the range of $7-9 million for 2012, the Indians would have to move salary in another trade.
For God's sake, do it.
Indians GM Chris Antonetti:
"We were able to further some of the discussions and dialogue that we had on both trades and free agents. Hopefully that's led us closer to a deal that will allow us to improve the team."
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith