ST Game 13: Blue Jays at Yankees

The Yankees are taking on the Blue Jays in Tampa at 1:15. Andy Pettitte gets the start for the first time this spring, and the game is not on television.

New York Yankees
Brett Gardner CF
Melky Cabrera LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Jorge Posada DH
Nick Swisher RF
Jose Molina C
Angel Berroa 2B
Justin Leone 3B
Ramiro Pena SS

Andy Pettitte LHP, followed by Ian Kennedy, Dan Giese, David Robertson, Jose Veras and Jonathan Albaladejo

Peter Abraham is reporting the Yankees have made some roster moves. Andrew Brackman was optioned to Class-A Charleston, while J.B. Cox, George Kontos and Kanekoa Texeira were reassigned to the minor-league camp.

Crasnick: Yankees acquire Swisher

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.