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Lee signs $100 million deal with Astros

The Houston Astros have signed slugger Carlos Lee to a six year, $100 million contract over Thanksgiving weekend. The free agent, 30, got the richest contract in franchise history. A career .286 hitter, the right handed outfielder hit .300 last year, with 37 hom runs and 116 RBIs for both the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers.

Lee is a powerful addition to the Astros lineup, which features all-star Lance Berkman. With the addition to the lineup, teams will not be able to pitch around Berkman without meeting Lee`s bat. Berkman came in third in the NL MVP race behind Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols. Houston, one of the worst offensive teams last year, has improved instantaneously with the signing of Lee, even if the contract is rather inflated.

Houston has also added veteran righthanded pitcher Woody Williams to the starting rotation. Williams, 40, signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal. Playing for the San diego Padres last year, Williams finished 12-5 with 3.65 ERA. The Astros` pitching is in the air these days, as star pitchers Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte have yet to give the Astros any indication whether they will pitch next year, and whether it will be with the Astros.