Pirates Add First Baseman; Lyle Overbay

The Pirates add defense at first base by signing, former Blue Jay, Lyle Overbay. Overbay, defensively, will add to the level on field, being a 10 year veteran of the position, playing in Arizona, Milwaukee and Toronto. Offensively, it also is an increase , statistically, from current first baseman, Garrett Jones, as both Overbay and Jones, were unable to duplicate their 2009 season, in 2010.


Overbay will be 34 years of age, by the start of the season, signed a 1yr/5M deal. It was reported by MLB.com/Pirates.com's Jenifer Longosch, that the deal was in place last Tuesday, December 7th, at the Winter Meetings, in Orlando, but wasn't completed until today, as financial terms were agreed upon. The Pirates General Manager, Neal Huntington, confirmed Overbay will take the majority of starts at first base, and will platoon Jones, and recently acquired, Matt Diaz, in right field.


In 2010, one of the biggest problems, besides starting pitching, was the lack of defense. With their sites set on improvement, this signing will certainly increase the defense, at first base, and the infield in general. Last year, Garrett Jones, while playing first base, committed 9 errors in 112 games, at the position. On several occasions, Jones noticeably had troubles throwing from first base to second base, in double play attempts, and wasn't able to get full range at the position. It should be noted that in 2009, Jones only error was committed at first base.


This move has cemented Jones and Diaz, into a platoon in right field, for the 2011 season and guaranteeing an overall improvement on production from the that position, both offensively and defensively. Jones, better a the plate against RHP, and Diaz, better at the plate against LHP, will take their starts according to the pitchers. With Overbays defensive skills, there will be far less errors committed in the infield, and won't see as many errant throws into left field, while attempting to turn a double play. Full details of the contract have yet to be released, though I would like to see a club option for 2012, pending the inevitable move of Pedro Alvarez to first base.


The Pirates find themselves still in search of securing an upgrade at shortstop and starting pitching, though there have been a few signing and acquisitions, during the off season, upgrades are still needed.




Lyle Overbay: 10 Years
-Career Offensive Stats: .274 BA/.358 OBP/.447 SLG/.805 OPS; 122 HR/524 RBI


 -2010 Offensive Stats: .243 BA/.329 OBP/.433 SLG/.762 OPS


-Career Defensive Stats: 10028 C/9159 PO/819 A/50 E/868 DP/.995 Fld%  


Garrett Jones: 2 years
-Career Offensive Stats: .258 BA/.324 OBP/.457 SLG/.781 OPS; 44 HR/135 RBI


-2010 Offensive Stats: .247 BA/.306 OBP/.414 SLG/.720 OPS


-Career Defensive Stats: 1135 C/1196 PO/129 A/10 E/.993 Fld%

Matt Diaz: 8 years

-Career Offensive Stats: .301 BA/.350 OBP/.456 SLG/.806 OPS; 43 HR/192 RBI

-2010 Offensive Stats: .250 BA/.302 OBP/.438 SLG/.739 OPS

-Career Defensive Stats: 717 C/688 PO/14 A/15 E/.979 Fld%

2010 Pittsburgh Pirates Defensive Stats:

                           6016 C/4235 PO/1654 A/127 E/.979 Fld%