12.16.2009

Lyle Overbay Destinations


I think the Roy Halladay Blockbuster is getting plenty of coverage at this point, so I'm going to shift gears and look at where Lyle Overbay (picture from Ezra Shaw / Getty Images) could wind up now that he has the following guys threatning to take his spot: Randy Ruiz, Brian Dopirak, Brett Wallace, David Cooper. Overbay has $7 million remaining on his contract and becomes a FA after the 2010 season. Here are the best 3 possible destinations I could come up with:

  1. Atlanta Braves - Sure, we can dream about getting a return like Yunel Escobar from the Braves, but we'd have to give up a whole lot more than 1 year of Overbay to make it happen. Although, you have to wonder if they'd consider it with Alex Gonzalez and a good prospect included. I seriously doubt it, but you never know. It is possible we could get 2-3 prospects in return, but if we're looking to fill either the CF or SS voids, they're not the best tango partners. They do need a guy like Overbay though, since they're looking for a good bat at 1B that can hold the spot for 1 season. Afterwards, they plan on passing the position to AA prospect Freddie Freeman. Possible return: OF Brandon Jones, SP David Francis, and SP Cole Rohrbough.
  2. New York Mets - Although they're considering bringing back Delgado, Overbay makes a lot more sense for the Mets. He's younger, a better defender at this point, and a lot cheaper as well. He could be extended at some point should the Mets be happy with his production. Possible returns: SS Reese Havens and SP Dillon Gee.
  3. Seattle Mariners - This team makes the most sense. They want to win this season and love to get guys who play great D. Also, having resigned Jack Wilson through 2011, they're pretty set at SS. The Jays could sweeten a deal with Scott Downs and a prospect, and land a top-prospect like Carlos Triunfel from the Mariners in the process. Adding Downs to the M's pen provides depth and experience they need that would cost them more on the open market, and adding Overbay gives them a much better defensive infield.
Overall, the only other teams I can envision wanting to pay a price for Overbay are the Orioles and the Giants. However, I do believe the 3 teams above will be willing to pay more, and once all of the paperwork and announcements are don for the Halladay deal, I'd look for this deal to become a priority for AA and the Jays.

2 comments:

  1. fishercatsfan12/16/09, 1:00 PM

    Take a look at baseball america's top 10 prospects for 2010. It was released within the past 24 hours I believe. Biggest surprise is david cooper up to #4 and being listed as the best hitter for average in the system. His avearge is poor and he check swings at every pitch. Confusing.

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  2. Was there a ton yesterday afternoon. Sent in about 20 questions and had 4 answered in the chat. Take a peak! 3 personally, and even 1 as BlueJaysDaze! I couldn't believe it either. They even had something written in that he admitted to not trying last year.....so he's still worth a 4th overall placement? I didn't agree with the rankings and a lot of the answers he gave, but then again he didn't even know who Santiago Nessy was, so what does that tell you? It tells you us fans and bloggers probably do more digging on one team than they do because their responsibilities are so numerous. Don't blame them, just don't agree with some of the ratings. My are listed - and waiting for the deal to go through for updating btw!

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