Yankees trade for Nick Swisher

November 13, 2008

By DailySkew

The Yankees got power-hitting 1B and outfielder Nick Swisher from the Chicago White Sox for utility infielder Wilson Betemit.

Nick is a power hitter who will probably play 1B for the Yanks. He is famous for being the Oakland A’s #1 draft pick in 2002, and the subject of Moneyball- the book about Oakland GM Billy Beane.

Nick, 27, is a younger (but a poor man’s version) of Jason Giambi, except his batting average is a lot lower, and he truthfully may not be an everyday player depending on who else the Yankees get this winter.

However, Nick was an Internet icon a few years ago, and is pretty popular with the ladies after games according to my sources. He truly would be a nice follow up to Jason Giambi, if his Yankees career is indeed over.

Nick is not without his flaws, of course. #1 He played in a hitter’s ballpark in Chicago last year, and didn’t put up dominating numbers. But he did put up great numbers in Oakland (a pitcher’s ballpark). Go figure. #2 He made around $3.6 million last year, and will probably make $5 million this year. #3 He sure works out in the gym a lot.

Other details of the deal: The Yankees also received a minor league pitcher named Kanekoa Texeira, 22, who was 6-3 with 21 saves and a 1.33 ERA in 51 relief outings in Single-A and Double-A, so he probably won’t be called up in 2009.

The Yanks gave up minor leaguer RHP Jeff Marquez, who was drafted by them in 2004. Jeff is a dark horse to become a solid MLB starter, as he doesn’t have the obvious tools to become a superstar, but he has a nice sinking fastball in the style of Brandon Webb or Chien-Ming Wang- but he’s a far way from ever achieving their greatness.

Yanks also threw in Jhonny Nunez, a righty relief pitcher who is very replaceable.

Bottom-line: great deal for the Yanks!

MORE YANKEES NEWS, RUMORS, and GOSSIP

The Yanks never returned Andy Pettitte’s phone calls. They are waiting and seeing which other pitchers they can get first. Andy is clueless and is waiting for the call, and said he will take a pay cut. But he is low on their priority list.
Mike Mussina is enjoying his vacation and is in no rush to talk contract.
The Yanks are still high on Brett Gardner playing CF.
The Yanks aren’t really into 34-year old Bobby Abreu, and will probably let him walk.
The Yanks seem okay with Xavier Nady playing every day.
Melky Cabrera is a walking dead-man. They don’t want him to be around Robinson Cano.
Phil Hughes is in danger of losing his stock, as he struggled in fall league. But the Yanks still have faith, and will be penciled in to start in Spring Training.
Jorge Posada will resist any attempt to play 1B for the duration of his contract.

MARLINS NEWS:

After trading one of their best starters and outfielders, the Marlins traded away their closer/reliever Kevin Gregg today to the Cubs. He was the Marlins’ highest-paid player in 2008 at $2.5 million, and was due for a raise, although he didn’t perfom well in the 2nd half. Still..very tough to be a Marlins fam when they trade anyone making over $1 million dollars.

Will the Mets get K-ROD?

I sure hope so!