Swisher to Yankees

[jacksonianmarch]

I was just throwing a lineup together. I dont really think there is much of a chance that Swisher is our #3 hitter.

 

BTW, just looked up Texeira in this deal. 22 yrs old, dominated the minors as a reliever and got to AA this yr. Should start in AAA next yr and doesnt need to be protected like Nunez would have been. Apparently has a MLB average FB and a plus slider. Definitely a downgrade from Nunez 93-95+ heat, but it isnt a bad piece to get back

[26 to 6]

Swisher batting 3rd is a no-no.

Definitely . But I still suspect there's gonna be another power, high obp. bat in that lineup. Also I'm not entirely convinced that we don't trade one of our left fielders to free up bulk, salary, and the DH spot (Manny, Giambi, Aberu, etc.?). Matsui is getting older and breaking down, as is Damon to a lesser, more valueable extent. And in that case if Damon does in fact get moved and we a need a leadoff hitter, Swisher could even fill that spot. This lineup is far from completed, and there's still quite a long time until pitchers and catchers report. We shall see what happens.

[jacksonianmarch]

I would take this offense with the depth in the bullpen IF we upgrade the staff. I am excited about the hot stove, started with a bang. We DEFINITELY got the best end of this deal IMO.

[diony]

Swisher as a leadoff hitter is another no-no.

[jacksonianmarch]

I agree. Swisher is probably gonna be in the 5 or 7 slot.

[Keeper]

Swisher was so bad for the Sox this year. Was hot for a couple of weeks. Had a few clutch hits. But for the most part, he couldn't hit the side of a barn. Good riddance!

[diony]

Nah I think he'll be #3, makes sense. I mean if he can go back to his A's form.

 

Getting a good 1B that can provide good defense and above average offense wasn't so hard? I mean we tried with Cairo, Mienk, Andy Phillips, Betemit and finally!

[jacksonianmarch]

Swisher was so bad for the Sox this year. Was hot for a couple of weeks. Had a few clutch hits. But for the most part' date=' he couldn't hit the side of a barn. Good riddance![/quote']

 

He had an incredibly bad yr, but his career stats point more towards a recovery than a plummeting. .800+OPS with .120IsoP and capability to hit 25+HR means he should come back when surrounded by a good offense.

[Cocos Disciples]

I would take this offense with the depth in the bullpen IF we upgrade the staff. I am excited about the hot stove' date=' started with a bang. We DEFINITELY got the best end of this deal IMO.[/quote']

 

Yeah the off-season has hit the ground running. And yep, I'd give you guys the advantage here.

[TheKilo]

There's a reason why Palehosed.com has a "Dirty .230" (he actually finished the season sub-.230) tag for him.

 

Look at his line drive rates and his BABIP last year, then get back to me.

[Dojji]

WHY IS NEW ENGLAND BURNING TIMEOUTS WITH THREE MINUTES LEFT???

[Dojji]

Jets win.

[TheKilo]

Jets win.

 

Wrong thread, homes.

[Cocos Disciples]

Smooth.

[Dipre]

Look at his line drive rates and his BABIP last year' date=' then get back to me.[/quote']

 

Already posted it for him.

 

It's amazing he had a decent year with the luck he was having.

[Gom]

First of all...even I, the anti-Cashman, have to admit it was a good deal. However, let's not put the 2009 World Series trophy in the new Yankee Stadium yet.

 

Swisher is a below average 1B and outfielder overall. He does not hit for average, and his power is below average for a corner OF or 1B, at least compared to what we are used to in New York.

 

He does bring somethings to the table. He can play all 3 OF positions, average in the corners and below average in center. He is an average to above-average defensive 1B. In replacing Giambi at 1B, he gives you a better glove and a weaker bat. However, as a switch-hitter who is basically equal from both sides of the plate, he balances the lineup a bit.

 

His biggest contribution is that he led the league in pitches seen per AB at 4.51 P/PA among qualified hitters. He also had the lowest BA in all of baseball for players who qualified for the batting title.

 

If Swisher is a starter come opening day, Cashman has done a poor job at filling the OF or 1B. However, as a player on the bench, one who can rotate among all 3 OF positions and 1B, he is a very valuable sub and is great insurance against injury. That's it guys. A good move, but a minor one.

 

Let's remember too...Marquez is one of the players the Twins wanted for Santana. Just throwing that in there.

 

Now...for additional commentary on the commentary of my fellow Yankee fan.

 

In terms of acquiring Swisher, there are a few things to consider

 

1. Swisher is the perfect buy low opportunity. He's a career .805 OPS guy who is coming off an abysmal yr after putting up 2 solid mid .800OPS yrs.

Good point. Agreed. However, his upside is not that great either. They bought low, but it's still not a high-impact move.

2. He adds power back to a team that has sorely lacked it. He's a .451 career SLG guy who will likely experience a surge in power once he moves to lefty friendly yankee stadium.

He's a switch-hitter, and Comisky is hitter-friendly. Considering the talented pitching staffs in the AL East, a decline is just as likely as an improvement.

3. His versatility will help a ton. He could tag team with Damon and a couple of the rookies to lock down CF. He could be the everyday 1b. He could switch off with Nady at both 1b and RF. And he can also play LF if needed.

Agreed. Although his defense in CF is below average, expect to see Gardner cover CF more. This all but ends Melky's tenure in New York. Look for the Yankees to deal Melky...a good fit may be to the Padres. Towers and Cashman have a good history, and Melky would go a long way in CF in the spacious San Diego Park. Could this move have been made with the idea of packaging Melky with a super-prospect or two for Peavy?

4. He's 27 and has already hit 104 homers. If you consider that he is entering his prime, you should expect him to improve significantly

Not necessarily my friend. He may have peaked early, it happens a lot. Keep in mind that just because a player joins your team, he won't necessarily get better...or worse. An OPS between .750 and .825 is more likely.

5. He's signed for the next 3 yrs at 21mil with a 10.5 mil option for yr 4. Hence, for a versatile, switch hitting power hitter, we have him locked up pretty cheap through his early prime yrs.

He is overpaid as a sub, and not talented enough to be a regular. However, money is not the concern it would be for other teams.

AND THE BEST OF ALL....

 

We got him for our utility IFer who lost his job to Cody Ransom, a minor league pitcher who looks more and more like a long man, and another reliever who has bounced around between WAS, NYY and now CWS. To be honest with you, I think Nunez will be the best player of the bunch when its all said and done.

 

This is a solid move. It doesnt rule us out for anyone, but covers us at one of the two positions of need.

Agreed. It gives us depth on our roster where we were weak, the bench, but it is not a game-changer type of move.

 

I'm not as excited as you or 26 about this move, but our team is better than it was yesterday.

[diony]

First of all...even I, the anti-Cashman, have to admit it was a good deal. However, let's not put the 2009 World Series trophy in the new Yankee Stadium yet.

 

Swisher is a below average 1B and outfielder overall. He does not hit for average, and his power is below average for a corner OF or 1B, at least compared to what we are used to in New York.

 

He's a plus defender in 1B and average on the OF corners. His Range Factor (RF) and Zone Rating (ZR) were wayy above average, he's a defensive improvement over Giambi and Abreu (by much). Doesn't hits for power? He hitted 35 HRs in that huge ballpark of Oakland.

He does bring somethings to the table. He can play all 3 OF positions, average in the corners and below average in center. He is an average to above-average defensive 1B. In replacing Giambi at 1B, he gives you a better glove and a weaker bat. However, as a switch-hitter who is basically equal from both sides of the plate, he balances the lineup a bit.

 

Again he's average in the corners and a plus defender at 1B go check your defensive metrics. He has 10 errors in 1646 INN at 1B. With a RF of 9.52 and a ZR of .813. I can live with that. He's a weaker bat than Giambi but not by much. He compensates it with defense and speed. You won't notice the difference if he goes back to his .850 OPS form.

 

His biggest contribution is that he led the league in pitches seen per AB at 4.51 P/PA among qualified hitters. He also had the lowest BA in all of baseball for players who qualified for the batting title.

 

BA is the most overrated stat ever.

 

If Swisher is a starter come opening day, Cashman has done a poor job at filling the OF or 1B. However, as a player on the bench, one who can rotate among all 3 OF positions and 1B, he is a very valuable sub and is great insurance against injury. That's it guys. A good move, but a minor one.

 

A guy that putted .850 OPS season in Oakland should be a bench player? He averages 25-30 HRs per season and they should bench him? It's a great move, you have to know Swish is not a .219 hitter, that's why is called buying LOW.

 

Let's remember too...Marquez is one of the players the Twins wanted for Santana. Just throwing that in there.

 

Marquez sucks, end of the story.

 

 

Swish never adapted very well to the White Sox. He was used as the everyday CF (which is the position he's played less on his career) and as a leadoff hitter. The relationships with Ozzie Guillen were bad. If you know how BABIP and LD% can help you measure 'bad luck' then do so. He's the perfect fit for the Yankees because they need to get younger, athletic, with good defense and cost controlled. Considering what we gave up, it's a great move imo, and it'll help us a LOT.

[soxfan17881]

My main concern about the trade was whether it was a signal that the Yankers are not going after Mark Teixeira. I don't think that it does mean that, given the idea that Swisher is better in the OF than on first and also given the fact that this is a great time to Steinbrenner to puke up a lot of cash.

[26 to 6]

I'm not as excited as you or 26 about this move, but our team is better than it was yesterday.

Haha I know it's not a huge move, but this is how I get when hot-stove season starts to heat up. It's the only enjoyment I get all winter long, and as we all know these New York/Northeast winters can get awfully cold so this just brought out a hint of excitement. Still plenty to come though. I just really like what Swisher brings to the table, on the field and off.

[Gom]

Haha I know it's not a huge move' date=' but this is how I get when hot-stove season starts to heat up. It's the only enjoyment I get all winter long, and as we all know these New York/Northeast winters can get awfully cold so this just brought out a hint of excitement. Still plenty to come though. I just really like what Swisher brings to the table, on the field and off.[/quote']

As if you have fun during the other months. Having sex with farm animals does not constitute a good time either. Try sleeping with your own species, you freak and stop treating the Swisher deal like it's the biggest deal since Babe Ruth.

 

I've been nice way too long...had to practice my vitriol.

[riverside sluggers]

White Sox got hosed in this deal! Pardon the Pun

[Cocos Disciples]

As if you have fun during the other months. Having sex with farm animals does not constitute a good time either. Try sleeping with your own species, you freak and stop treating the Swisher deal like it's the biggest deal since Babe Ruth.

 

I've been nice way too long...had to practice my vitriol.

 

Let it out, brotha.

[jacksonianmarch]

Unfortunately, lesser forms of intelligence dont understand that adding a guy who works pitchers is helpful. I am not saying Swisher is a guy who will be hitting .300 and 40HR. But, when you consider he had a rough go in Chicago, was in Guillen's doghouse early, and really had a bad yr, you should be able to expect a bit of a recovery. If Swisher improves his average back to his to his career norm of .250 or higher, then he's useful.

 

For the statheads out there, Swisher had a LD% of 20%, a BABIP of .249 and led the majors by far with a 4.51P/PA. He'll, rebound.

[jacksonianmarch]

My main concern about the trade was whether it was a signal that the Yankers are not going after Mark Teixeira. I don't think that it does mean that' date=' given the idea that Swisher is better in the OF than on first and also given the fact that this is a great time to Steinbrenner to puke up a lot of cash.[/quote']

 

I think it does. Cashman let it be known that the acquisition of Swisher was as a 1b. I would assume that is a one yr move, mind you, but it makes sense for us NOT to go after Tex. ARod is in yr 2 of 10, and it is logical to think that he'll need to be moved to 1b eventually. Jeter as well is a guy who I think will end up either at 2b, 1b or OF. Posada might be a 1B by 2010 if not 2009. Locking up the position, albeit with a future HOFer, for the next 7-8 yrs is not in the yankees best interests when that player is solely a 1b. Having Swisher's OF versatility makes sense. Plus, it allows the yankees to throw more money in the pitching market, where they sorely need the help.

[diony]

Adam Dunn 2003

.215/.354.465

 

BABIP: .247

LD%: 18.6%

 

Adam Dunn 2004: .266/.388/.569

 

Nick Swisher 2008

 

.219/.332/.410

 

BABIP: .251

LD%: 20.9%

 

Same player type, power, walks and Ks. Just an example.

[26 to 6]

I think it does. Cashman let it be known that the acquisition of Swisher was as a 1b. I would assume that is a one yr move' date=' mind you, but it makes sense for us NOT to go after Tex. ARod is in yr 2 of 10, and it is logical to think that he'll need to be moved to 1b eventually. Jeter as well is a guy who I think will end up either at 2b, 1b or OF. Posada might be a 1B by 2010 if not 2009. Locking up the position, albeit with a future HOFer, for the next 7-8 yrs is not in the yankees best interests when that player is solely a 1b. Having Swisher's OF versatility makes sense. Plus, it allows the yankees to throw more money in the pitching market, where they sorely need the help.[/quote']

Can you really consider Tex a future HOFer at this point in his career though? I can't.

[Gom]

I think it does. Cashman let it be known that the acquisition of Swisher was as a 1b. I would assume that is a one yr move' date=' mind you, but it makes sense for us NOT to go after Tex. ARod is in yr 2 of 10, and it is logical to think that he'll need to be moved to 1b eventually. Jeter as well is a guy who I think will end up either at 2b, 1b or OF. Posada might be a 1B by 2010 if not 2009. Locking up the position, albeit with a future HOFer, for the next 7-8 yrs is not in the yankees best interests when that player is solely a 1b. Having Swisher's OF versatility makes sense. Plus, it allows the yankees to throw more money in the pitching market, where they sorely need the help.[/quote']

 

Whoa...you are talking about moving Jeter or Posada to 1B, where both would be below average offensively, especially Jeter. Think about this one Jacko..."We're not signing a young, Gold Glove caliber 1B who hits for power and average and is a switch-hitter, because we want to put our aging superstars at that position in a few years, even if they are way below average offensively".

 

Does that really make sense?

[26 to 6]

I think it's inevitable that one of them ends up at first base sometime in the near future, next few seasons. Especially Jeter, he's gonna get to the point where we have to have him there because of his declining range and fielding ability at shortstop. Better off having the spot cleared up for when that time does come that way we're not stuck with terrible defense at short that we can't move and an overloaded, long-term burdonsome contract at first. This would be best not only now, but for the long-term as well. Swisher can adaquetely fill the hole at first base for the time being, we're not giving $22-24 Mil to our first baseman for the next 7 years, and we can spend that money on pitching and whatever other needs we have. I just don't think Mark Texiera is worth what him and Boras are commanding, and we can find another way to shore up first base in the future if/when Swisher just doesn't cut it anymore. We've got guys in the farm, we'll have more money on draft picks, we can take a look at the free agent market in the upcoing years and probably get a better value on a first baseman. This is just my opinion though, I know Tex is a real good player, but taking into account he's coming off a career year and has the most powerful agent in sports negotiating for him I would rather just pass on him.

[ARod2212]

Tex is worth that kind of money. He's a gold glove, switch hitting first baseman with power entering his prime. He is a core, building block type player.

 

But I agree, I think we are hamstrung by Jeter and Posada, and won't be able to invest long term in a first baseman like Tex. Which is a shame. Dude can play, and I think we're going to regret not getting him, just like Beltran.

[CrespoBlows]

White Sox got hosed in this deal! Pardon the Pun

 

lol wat a joke