The Yankees have traded for Chicago White Sox OF/1B Nick Swisher, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Crasnick's source says Jeff Marquez will be headed to Chicago and it's uncertain if any other players are involved.
In 588 plate appearances last season, Swisher batted .219/.332/.410 with 24 home runs and 69 RBI. While his numbers were down, Swisher has the ability to draw walks (97, 100 and 82 his last three seasons) and plays solid defense.
In 14 starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season, Marquez went 6-7 with a 4.69 ERA in 80 2/3 innings. He also struck out 33 while walking 24.
Swisher, who will turn 28 in 12 days, split time last year at both first base and center field, both glaring needs for the Yankees, so this deal makes sense. He is signed through 2011 with a club option for 2012 and will make $5.3 million in 2009, $6.75 million in 2010 and $9 million in 2011. The option is for $10.25 million but can become $12 million with a top-5 finish in the MVP voting in any year between now and the end of the contract (thanks, Cot's Baseball Contracts).
If Swisher can find a way to get a few more hits and continue to draw walks, this has the potential to be a great trade.
The Yankees still have decisions to make regarding the outfield spots, but bringing Swisher into the fold is a nice move.
What do you of this trade?
Update - 4:15 p.m.: Crasnick has updated the article. Wilson Betemit and Jhonny Nunez have also been sent to Chicago. The Yankees will receive minor leaguer Kanekoa Texeira (no, not that Teixeira).
I like this trade even more with Betemit gone.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Crasnick: Yankees acquire Swisher
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7 comments:
Swisher will be a solid addition, especially since the yanks only gave up marquez (at this point in time).
however, it most likely means that abreu is gone.
Not necessarily. Nady can play left, Damon center and Abreu right, with Swisher at first and Matsui at DH if they really wanted to. I can still see them try to trade Matsui and Melky however.
That would be my ideal outfield at this point, but I think Cashman stated the other day that he did not want Damon playing center, meaning that Swisher, Melky, and Gardner would be competing for the job.
But at this point, anything is bound to happen.
Damon LF, Gardner CF and Nady RF would be fine in my book to begin the season. Abreu's bat is nice, but he leaves much to be desired in the field.
yeah, for sure. he has a solid arm, but he can't go within 10 feet of the wall.
I'd have to say I'm currently overjoyed at the fact that we'll have Swisher next season. He's my favorite ballplayer, and I'd like to point out how the ChiSox improperly used Swisher last season as a leadoff hitter.
Swisher is not a leadoff guy; sure he walks alot, but by no means should he have been batting leadoff. Think of Swisher (if he bats everyday) as a great #6 or #7 hitter, which would make that (healthy) Yankee lineup pretty potent
Nick Swisher fits the yankees style of seeing as many pitches as possible perfectly. If the Yanks miss out on Teixeira, Swisher will be a nice insurance policy for first base and the outfield....but NY better hope they sign Big Tex.
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