Baseball - Lyle Overbay Makes Long Term Commitment 

After Vernon Wells decided to stay with Toronto, Lyle Overbay has made a long term commitment to the Blue Jays.

Overbay has just agreed on a four year contract worth $24 million and stated that Blue Jays was a great club and were pleased to sign on Vernon Wells. Vernon Wells has signed a seven year extension right through 2014 worth $126 million. Wells is Toronto’s Gold Glove center field. After 2008, Overbay would have been eligible to become a free agent. However, agreed to the four year contract which will pay him a $3.8 million signing bonus, $400,000 this year, $5.8 million in 2008 and $7 million each in the next two seasons. Overbay was acquired from Milwaukee Brewers and last season he set career highs with a .312 average, 22 homers and 92 RBIs. His 46 doubles were fourth in the AL. Blue Jays have also managed to get Roy Halladay, A J Burnett, B J Ryan, Troy Glaus and Frank Thomas to sign multiyear contracts. General Manager J P Ricciardi informed that the Blue Jays had now built up a team for 2007 to 2010. Toronto now has right handed power hitters in Wells, Glau and Thomas, and a left handed batter in Overbay. According to Ricciardi, the improved offense will help to make up the loss of Ted Lilly. However, he does not think that the team will reach the top of the AL East. Toronto now has a good offensive team and if they pitch well then they are in with a chance.