Clearly, it’s a new era in Toronto, one in which the current ownership group won’t be satisfied with finishing 3rd. Just call it Flushing North.
The Toronto Blue Jays turned their attention to offence on Wednesday night, acquiring first baseman Lyle Overbay (above) from the Milwaukee Brewers for right-hander Dave Bush, outfield prospect Gabe Gross and a player to be named.
Overbay, a left-handed hitter who is eligible for arbitration, batted .276 with 19 homers and 72 RBIs this year. His departure clears the way for top prospect Prince Fielder to take over at first base in Milwaukee.
The Blue Jays are also expected to get left-handed pitching prospect Zach Jackson, but he can’t be included in the deal until after Thursday’s winter meeting draft. Jackson, the 32nd pick overall out of Texas A&M in the 2004 amateur draft, moved through three levels of the minors and had a combined 16-8 record with a 3.92 ERA.