Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
"The Red Sox reached an agreement with veteran first baseman Lyle Overbay on a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, a source told the Herald. If Overbay is not added to the 25-man major league roster before Opening Day, he may opt out of the contract and sign with another team.
At a minimum, Overbay could potentially offer protection for the Red Sox in case Napoli begins experiencing problems related to avascular necrosis, a disease that results in deterioration and possible death of a bone in the hip caused by a lack of blood flow. But the 36-year-old also could serve as a left-handed bat off the bench and a late-inning defensive replacement for Napoli."
Herald: Minor deal, major role for Overbay
As we noted yesterday, the Red Sox and Lyle Overbay agreed to a minor league deal, launching him into the mix at first base.
Overbay has bounced around with five different teams: Arizona (two-stints), Milwaukee, Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. This may be a minor league deal, but the 36-year-old is a likely candidate to make the team serving as a left-handed option off the Red Sox bench. Overbay is also a decent defensive replacement at 1B, especially for Mike Napoli, providing further value.
Clearly, the Red Sox are concerned about their first-base depth in bringing in Overbay and reportedly receiving a three-way trade offer from Miami to acquire 1B Chris Coghlan. Don't be suprised if GM Ben Cherington continues to bring in some more candidates to compete for the back-up behind Napoli.
The rest of the links:
Projo: There's depth behind the plate | NESN: Red Sox received offer for Chris Coghlan | Globe: Spring training preview (Catchers and DH)
