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The Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of reaching a minor league deal with Lyle Overbay. Overbay has bounced around the league in his career, playing for five different teams over 12 years, but this would be his second stint with the Brewers if they do sign him.
Ken Rosenthal says the possibility of signing Overbay stems from Corey Hart's surgery as the Brewers need to re-stock their roster in anticipation of the large chunk of time they will spend without Hart.
#Brewers talking to free-agent 1B Overbay about minor-league deal. Gamel will be regular 1B with Hart out. Overbay played in MIL 2004-05.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 28, 2013
Overbay played in 65 games last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves. He hit a decent .259/.331/.397. In his career, Overbay is a .270/.353/.438 hitter. He has never been a power threat, but he knows how to get on base.
If the Brewers sign Overbay, and if he makes the Major League roster, it will be his second time with the organization. Overbay played in Milwaukee during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. In that time, he hit a healthy .289/.376/.464. Overbay's versatility on the diamond may be his most important quality.
In the case of the Brewers, the team may use the 36-year old in a utility role if they choose to sign him. Of course, they have to convince Overbay to earn his spot first. For a player with 12 years under his belt and a solid triple-slash that may be difficult to do. If he does sign, expect him to get a Major League invite to spring training.
