Full analysis coming later, but here are a couple of quick thoughts on the Yankees' trade for Nick Swisher this afternoon. The Bombers traded utilityman Wilson Betemit, as well as minor-league pitchers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez for Swisher and minor-league pitcher.
Swisher hit .219 this year, the lowest average of anyone in the American League with enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title. But even in his worst year, he still hit 24 homers and drew 82 walks, posting an OPS+ of 92 -- which means that overall, he was only slightly worse than the league average.
Swisher has never been a big average guy, but is a very patient hitter and essentially replaces Jason Giambi in the Yankees' lineup. If you look at it that way, this is a brilliant acquisition -- Swisher is almost 10 years younger than Giambi, is a better first baseman and is a fine outfielder. The move does not preclude the Yankees from going after Mark Teixeira, but gives them an experienced option at first base if they don't sign the top free agent hitter on the market.
Source
No comments:
Post a Comment