FRIDAY: If Overbay makes the team he would earn $1.25MM plus up to $250K in performance bonuses, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
THURSDAY: The Red Sox signed Lyle Overbay to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training, Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald reports (Twitter links). Overbay can opt out of the minor league deal if he isn't on the MLB roster by the end of Spring Training.
Overbay played for the Diamondbacks and Braves in 2012, posting a .259/.331/.397 batting line in 131 plate appearances. The 36-year-old bats from the left side and has a career line of .275/.368/.453 against right-handed pitching. Octagon represents Overbay, who also drew interest from the Brewers.
Overbay provides the Red Sox with depth behind Mike Napoli, the projected starter at first base. Overbay's left-handed bat provides some balance for Boston, as Napoli and Mauro Gomez both hit right-handed.