Pure Speculation: Would Lyle Overbay Be a Good Fit at 1B?

[Stick Michael]

Rather than write a novel on why I think Lyle Overbay could be reasonably traded for I'll simply post facts:

-Overbay posted three consecutive seasons of .800+ OPS between 2004-2006.
-He averaged 44 doubles per season in those three years, with his high mark being 53 in 2004.
-JP Riccardi signed him to a four year, $24 million deal after an impressive 2006 campaign.
-He had a disappointing 2007 season (OPS .706)
-He rebounded a bit in 2008 (OPS .777) but still fell considerably short of expectations
-He is owed $14 million over the course of the next two years ($7million per)
-Riccardi would probably be willing to trade him if he could get back a position player that could contribute offensively -or- a starting pitcher since AJ Burnett will almost certainly opt out of his deal.

Mitigating circumstances that warrant consideration:

-Mark Teixeria will cost a fortune, and the last time the Yankees paid a first baseman a fortune he wound up being grossly overpaid, at least most of the time.
-Overbay's 2007 and 2008 campaigns could suggest he's not the answer, but if he reverts to 2004-2006 form he could be a valuable, relatively affordable asset.
-A change of scenery might do him good...the last two times he got traded he posted OPS numbers of .863 (2004 Milwaukee) and .880 (2006 Toronto) in his first seasons with his new ballclub.

Thoughts?

James

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

Overbay's numbers vs lefties this season:

.215 BA .285 OBP .255 SLG .540 OPS

[dan66]

Overbay's numbers vs lefties this season:

.215 BA .285 OBP .255 SLG .540 OPS

Still prefer Miranda! If the Yankees bring in Dunn then you could still have either Nady or Dunn as a backup plan.

[SINCE77 2]

I've always liked Overbay, but I just can't see JP helping the Yankees fill a hole.

[primetime714]

I've always liked Overbay, but I just can't see JP helping the Yankees fill a hole.

Yea I think if they were to trade him they would trade him outside of the division. Plus there are no indications that they are looking to move him, so they'll be looking for at least a decent return and probably more from the Yankees. I wouldn't give up much of anything for Overbay.

At first base plan A has to be Teixeira. If he re-signs with the Angels as many are expecting, we'll move on, but I wouldn't look to seriously into other options before then.

Besides I think there are better options in FA. Giambi could come back on a 1-year deal or we could go after Adam Dunn. Both of whom despite defensive limitations are better players than Lyle Overbay.

[Mark19]

I would rather find a versatile righty to platoon with Miranda at first.

[dan66]

I would rather find a versatile righty to platoon with Miranda at first.

You don't need a right handed 1st base bat if you have Nady on your team.

[ShaneTravis]

Besides I think there are better options in FA. Giambi could come back on a 1-year deal or we could go after Adam Dunn. Both of whom despite defensive limitations are better players than Lyle Overbay.

In the minority here but I have no problem bringing Jason back for a 1 year deal with club option and have always been a big Donkey supporter. He would be a great fit here.

[dan66]

In the minority here but I have no problem bringing Jason back for a 1 year deal with club option and have always been a big Donkey supporter. He would be a great fit here.

Dunn huge yes but Giambi flush him goodbye!

[AJW]

Dunn huge yes but Giambi flush him goodbye!

What does everyone see in Adam Dunn? The guy K's a lot. A big NO to Dunn.

[webassign]

In the minority here but I have no problem bringing Jason back for a 1 year deal with club option and have always been a big Donkey supporter. He would be a great fit here.

Me neither, but getting Teixeira is still priority #1.

[Roberto Kelly]

In the minority here but I have no problem bringing Jason back for a 1 year deal with club option and have always been a big Donkey supporter. He would be a great fit here.

I have no problem bringing him back, assuming we also acquire a real 1B and move Matsui.

[hellonewman]

I'm up for Overbay if he can be had cheap, but I don't think Ricciardi would deal in good faith.

[Hellsing]

Overbay and Texieria are not the answer...

Prince Fielder IS the answer.

[dan66]

Overbay and Texieria are not the answer...

Prince Fielder IS the answer.

NO to Fielder as he will eat Manhattan! If I am trading with the Brewers get me JJ Hardy!

[JohnnyDamonfan]

NO to Fielder as he will eat Manhattan! If I am trading with the Brewers get me JJ Hardy!

Anyway you can add Ryan Braun into that deal? I say we go for it.

[just-blaze]

Overbay and Texieria are not the answer...

Prince Fielder IS the answer.

Actually, I was thinking that the Yanks would try and make a play for him this offseason.

JP would ask for Billy Beane/Bill Smith prices possibly more.......not worth it for Overbay.

[cyhughes22]

Overbay and Texieria are not the answer...

Prince Fielder IS the answer.

Have you even thought of how many different types of food would be available to him in the most diverse city in the world? We'd be lucky if he could stand by the 2nd year of his contract. People worry about Sabathia's weight but that's tame compared to this guy.

[Hobbes40]

Have you even thought of how many different types of food would be available to him in the most diverse city in the world? We'd be lucky if he could stand by the 2nd year of his contract. People worry about Sabathia's weight but that's tame compared to this guy.

Not saying I support trading for him or not, but I believe he's a vegetarian now? I thought I had read a SI or ESPN article about it.

[hellonewman]

Not saying I support trading for him or not, but I believe he's a vegetarian now? I thought I had read a SI or ESPN article about it.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians (i.e., most of them) can eat:

Ice cream
Peanut butter
Scrambled eggs
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Plain pizza or pizza with veggie toppings
Jalapeno poppers
Buttermilk pancakes
Chocolate cake
Doritos
Potato chips

You get the idea ...

[cyhughes22]

Not saying I support trading for him or not, but I believe he's a vegetarian now? I thought I had read a SI or ESPN article about it.

Well then that's even more cause for concern lol. He certainly hasn't dropped any weight. Plus he's not exactly a guy I see being on the NY media's good side. Definitely a good ball player but I just don't know about the fit.

[Yankee Tripper]

Overbay? In a word NO!

[Sher]

I want Tex

[BennyTheJetRodriguez]

I'd rather keep Giambi for his option year than have a guy like Overbay playing 1B. If we were talking about Overbay 06 then it would be different.

[Yankees Empire]

Rather than write a novel on why I think Lyle Overbay could be reasonably traded for I'll simply post facts:

-Overbay posted three consecutive seasons of .800+ OPS between 2004-2006.
-He averaged 44 doubles per season in those three years, with his high mark being 53 in 2004.
-JP Riccardi signed him to a four year, $24 million deal after an impressive 2006 campaign.
-He had a disappointing 2007 season (OPS .706)
-He rebounded a bit in 2008 (OPS .777) but still fell considerably short of expectations
-He is owed $14 million over the course of the next two years ($7million per)
-Riccardi would probably be willing to trade him if he could get back a position player that could contribute offensively -or- a starting pitcher since AJ Burnett will almost certainly opt out of his deal.

Mitigating circumstances that warrant consideration:

-Mark Teixeria will cost a fortune, and the last time the Yankees paid a first baseman a fortune he wound up being grossly overpaid, at least most of the time.
-Overbay's 2007 and 2008 campaigns could suggest he's not the answer, but if he reverts to 2004-2006 form he could be a valuable, relatively affordable asset.
-A change of scenery might do him good...the last two times he got traded he posted OPS numbers of .863 (2004 Milwaukee) and .880 (2006 Toronto) in his first seasons with his new ballclub.

Thoughts?

James

First of all, it's great to see a calm, reasoned roster move proposal instead of the usual "Let's trade Melky for Albert Pujols" stuff that passes for hot stove talk much of the time.

This isn't a bad idea at all. He's a good glove at first and has performed very well in the past. Provided we cleared up our other 1B/OF/DH issues (Giambi, Abreu, Matsui, etc.), this wouldn't be a bad action to pursue.

The only thing, of course, is the whole "trading within the division" thing. I think we'd have to give up more than we would if Overbay wasn't with a division rival. Since Overbay is a good, not great player, I wonder if the extra price required to get him would be worth it.

Overbay's numbers vs lefties this season:

.215 BA .285 OBP .255 SLG .540 OPS

His numbers vs. lefties from 2003 - 2007 are very solid. I'm willing to bet 2008 was an aberration.

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

His numbers vs. lefties from 2003 - 2007 are very solid. I'm willing to bet 2008 was an aberration.

No, they aren't. His career OPS against lefties is over hundred points less than it is against righties.

[Hobbes40]

Hehe, hadn't thought of it that way

[destro]

jays wont do biz with the yanks, /thread

[Stick Michael]

jays wont do biz with the yanks, /thread

I'm not convinced of that. Riccardi wouldn't trade Overbay unless he was getting a decent player in return, but if Toronto loses Burnett that will put them in a position where they will have to make deals in the offseason if they intend to compete in 2009, and with Overbay having two disappointing seasons in a row Riccardi may be willing to deal him.

James