According to Jon Morosi of FOX sports, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Lyle Overbay has cleared waivers successfully, and now can be traded by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Overbay has roughly $2.1 million remaining on his $7.9 million contract, which expires at the end of the season. Overbay does not qualify right now as a type A or B free agent, so trading him will not result in any draft compensation, something the Jays are always seeking.
This season, Overbay has enjoyed a pretty mediocre season by first baseman standards, only hitting .250 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI's.
His numbers don't scream out trade, but there are a number of playoff contenders which are starving for first base help.
The Tampa Bay Rays recently lost Carlos Pena to injury and have been using a combination of Ben Zobrist and Dan Johnson at first. Zobrist is a super utility player and can play anywhere, while Johnson was a call-up from the Durham Bulls (AAA).
The Boston Red Sox lost their first baseman, Kevin Youkilis for the rest of the reason due to a muscle tear in his right thumb. They have been using Mike Lowell and Victor Martinez as his replacements. Lowell is aging and is more of a third baseman, while Martinez is the Red Sox starting catcher. Additionally, they have recently signed former Blue Jay legend, first baseman Carlos Delgado, to a minor-league contract. If or when he makes it to Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox is anyone's guess.
Another team that could find themselves in the mix is the Texas Rangers, who traded their first baseman Justin Smoak in the Cliff Lee deal prior to the July 31st trading deadline. They have replaced him with Mitch Moreland and Chris Davis, not exactly the guys you want playing there on a playoff-caliber team.
Lastly, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a team that should be in the mix. Having lost All-Star first baseman Kendry Morales for the season with a broken leg (see video), the Angels have been using catcher Mike Napoli as a quick fix for the time being. Getting Overbay would move Napoli back behind the plate and keep the catching duo of Napoli and Jeff Mathis in tact. When Morales returns next season, Overbay should be long gone.
So there you have it, there are teams in need of a first baseman and the Jays have lots to spare. Moving Overbay gives the Blue Jays more time to evaluate whether Adam Lind can man the position, or they have to move JP Arencibia from behind the plate to first base.
Your thoughts on the potential deals and roster/position moves?
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