If Mike Lowell is out for an extended period of time, or never fully returns to form, does that make Lyle Overbay a good fit in Boston?
Overbay is currently hitting .251/.375/.461, and again is playing above-average defense at first base. Overbay also has the ability to hit the ball to the opposite field, something that would be a great benefit to him with the Green Monster residing there.
He’s owed $7 million next season, and that is not much at all knowing he is insurance for the aging Lowell. And also knowing that he’s a stopgap until Lars Anderson is ready. Worst case scenario, Overbay becomes a great option off the bench. And with the Jays possibly looking to shed salary to try and alleviate some of the Rios and Wells contracts, they may not mind giving Overbay away for very little.
Of course, this would have to come at the expense of Youk playing a lot at third. But the Red Sox would again have a lot of flexibility if Lowell actually got back on track during the remainder of the year.
It’s just a thought though…
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it’s a thought that I like a lot. He’s not a huge impact bat, but I always thought he’d be a good fit in Boston and it definitely puts a better bat at 1st than Kotsay.
I like it. Overbay is a doubles hitter, and Fenway is kind to those.
There is nothing Overbay does that Kotsay doesn’t. Kotsay also plays the outfield and runs much better. No thanks!
Good thought. His OBP & SLG would keep the line moving. However, Jim is right about Kotsay’s versatility and athleticism; and his bat has been pretty clutch. Obviously V-Mart and A. Gonzales are better choices for this, but could cost the farm, which could be a big mistake.
Mike came back strong from ST. He has also discovered Synvisc and periodic rest, in much the same way JD discovered a prophylactic spinal injection and periodic rest. What a decoy, catch and rocket tonight to stop that run. The injection works. It appears the Synvisc is also working.
Mike has been forthright in explaining his injury and its effects since last year. He says he feels good and is ready to play now, but will accept the extra ASB rest. There is little reason he won’t come back strong again, and it is guaranteed he will have a day off every week to keep him strong. Isn’t Lowrie/Green/Youk enough for this? Failing that, wouldn’t Teahen be a better low cost trade for this purpose and a strong bat? (Yes, I’ve converted to Teahanism)
Kotsay is more versatile than Overbay, when he’s healthy. Right now, because of his leg issues, he can’t run and I assume his defense is affected. He’s certainly not playing any outfield. So the question is: how long will it take for him to get healthy?
With Kotsay’s limitations, Lugo’s apparent banishment, and the Sox carrying 12 pitchers, Tito’s options for in-game maneuvering are severely limited. Maybe this is just a temporary rough patch, and everybody will be fine after the All-Star Break. If not, then it might be time for a low-level trade of some sort.
Mark Kotsay Career: Obp: .336 Slg: .414 OPS+ 98
Lyle Overbay Career: Obp: .362 Slg: .448 OPS+ 111
The gap has been bigger the last 2 seasons.
So overbay gets on base and hits for power significantly better than Kotsay. Overbay is also a much better defensive 1st baseman and although he can’t play the outfield the team already has good outfield depth. I’m a big fan of Kotsay, but saying that him and Overbay are the same player is wrong.
I would like to have him, but we don’t really have room for him. Lowell is going to be back in a day or two, purportedly with more mobility than he’s had all year, and he’s hitting well enough that we don’t really have a reason to make a move. Plus once Lowell and Lowrie are back on the roster, we will be carrying four guys that play 3B. This would be an interesting option if Lowell melts down somehow, but that won’t happen.
The funny thing about the Sox right now is that there isn’t anywhere that deserves obvious improvement, except SS and catcher… but both of those are different stories.