Thoughts on the Swisher deal

Nick Swisher in pinstripes? The end of the Wilson Betemit era? That’s what I get for taking a few days off to visit some family out of town. Swisher certainly had an atrocious year in 2008, but I like this move a lot. If he hadn’t had an off-year, do you think the Yankees would have been able to trade a lousy player like Betemit and two marginal prospects for him? No chance. Just look at what Swisher did in 2006-07 in Oakland. In 2006, he hit 35 homers and had 95 RBI, and while his average was a pedestrian .254, his on-base was .372. The next year, he had 22 homers and 78 RBI to go with a .262 average and .381 OBP. Last year, he had 22 homers, drove in 69 and hit .219 with a .322 OBP, a big step backward for Swisher. But with three years and $22 million remaining on his contract, he’s a decent risk for the Yankees to take. His ability to play first base and all three outfield positions also make him an attractive player to have on a team. If Swisher can replicate the ... (link)