Nick Swisher is hotter than a female teenage pop singer right now. He's hitting at a downright absurd pace. And he's having more fun on the baseball diamond than he's ever had in his entire life. And all he's really doing is making the most of his opportunities. He's doing so well that more opportunities keep presenting themselves and more days are being spent on the field than on the bench.
I know it's early, but Nick's stats need mention. Since coming off the bench, Swish has recorded 7 hits in 13 at-bats with 9 RBI. He's hitting .538 with an OPS of 2.010 -- that's pretty insane. But he's taking it all in stride. “I’m absolutely loving it,” Swisher was quoted as saying. “It’s like I almost don’t want to wake up, I don’t want to soak it in. I want to keep that fire and keep that passion and keep that attitude going. When I go to the ballpark right now, I feel confident.”
So do we Nick, so do we.
The whole thing has me thinking though. After all, I was very much in support of just going forward with Nick Swisher at 1st when we acquired him over the winter and not pursuing Teixeira at all. In fact it appears I was not alone. Kat O'Brien, over at Newsday had a great piece a few days ago that told a very interesting story in regard to the Teixeira deal. Simply put, Teixiera was never really an option. It was only after meeting with him in December, a move Cash admitted was more to leverage CC than land Tex, where the dream signing became a reality.
"Teixeira never was really an option," Cashman said. (see) "It was something I kept pushing, but it was not really being accepted by above me . . . I guess persistence paid off. I knocked on that door, I guess, just enough that someone finally answered. Hal really gave me the OK to pursue it over a few-day period. And at that point, I still thought the Red Sox were getting him."
After the mess the Sox ownership and brain trust made with Teixeira -- by way of their ridiculous obsession with trying to outsmart Scott Boras -- Cash was obviously more than ready to pick up the pieces and provide the team with tremendous depth at the same time. So thanks for being blowhards Sox brass, it's really paying off so far.
And for those interested, the wrist injury that sidelined Teixeira last night is apparently little more than tendinitis and only prevents him from swinging the bat right-handed. He should play this afternoon and hit lefty. It's nice to have switch-hitters.
Showing posts with label Nick Swisher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nick Swisher. Show all posts
12 April 2009
17 January 2009
News Droppings
On the Swisher and Nady front:
Tyler Kepner of The New York Times checks in today with some good stuff on the possible trades involving either corner OF, citing interest by the Reds, Nats, Braves, and Giants. From the tone of the piece, it looks like the Yankees aren't going to make a trade for the sake of clearing payroll or opening a spot on the roster. It makes sense. Nady and Swisher are two key guys who can play a meaningful factor in all 162.
Brain Cashman was quoted as well, saying:
“It depends on the trade talk, If we feel there’s a benefit, we’ll make a move. That’s basically it. We’re in a position where we don’t have to make a move, so that’s a strong position to be in. We could have them all year. We’re not going to do anything unless there’s a reason to do it.”
I wouldn't force the issue either. I think that this year will be the year of the mid-season acquisition. The free agent class next year is pretty weak and there's a lot of parity in the divisions these days. A lot of teams will be looking to pick up a key piece at the trading deadline and thinking they have enough to make a run.
The Yankees may find a better market for either player in late June than in January.
On the Spring Training front:
From mlb.com and the boys at RAB the Yankees have offered 20 players non-roster invites to Spring Training. The list is as follows:
Pitchers: Kei Igawa, Jason Johnson, Mark Melancon, Sergio Mitre
Catchers: Kyle Anson, Kevin Cash, Jesus Montero, PJ Pilittere, Austin Romine
Infielders: Doug Bernier, Angel Berroa, Eduardo Nunez, Ramiro Pena, Kevin Russo
Outfielders: Colin Curtis, Shelley Duncan, Austin Jackson, Justin Leone, Todd Linden, John Rodriguez
Notables are of course Austin Jackson, Austin Romine, Jesus Montero, and Mark Melancon as they represent the best and the best known names of our homegrown talent. Keep your eyes on Ramiro Pena, Eduardo Nunez and Kevin Russo though. They will get more opportunities in camp than they normally would due to Derek and Alex's commitments to the WBC.
Jason Johnson, Angel Berroa, Kevin Cash, Todd Linden and John Rodriguez all have MLB experience and all more notable than Kei Igawa's, Justin Leone's, Shelley Duncan's, Doug Bernier's. Berroa was in fact the rookie of the year back in 2003 when he beat out Hideki Matsui for the title.
On the Jorge Posada front:
It's not looking like the Jorge will DH for Puerto Rico in the WBC. The Yankees are telling anyone within earshot that Jorge's just not ready for that kind of commitment.
I think we may get a pissing match yet though.
Cash has decreed:
"I am sure he would love to play [in the World Baseball Classic], but he is currently rehabbing from surgery and would not be ready."
"He wouldn't be able to perform. He won't start on time as a catcher in spring training. It's just a fact. There's nothing I can do about it or the player can do about it. We're hoping to have Jorge by Opening Day, but he will not be the opening spring training catcher, I can tell you that."
Jorge's retort:
"This will be my last chance to play for Puerto Rico, and I'm very clear on that. For that reason, I'll do anything possible to be 100 percent, because it is a dream of mine to wear that uniform."
Jorge's Dad even had this to say:
"He feels fine and wants to play for Puerto Rico."
Team Puerto Rico's GM, Lou Mendez mused:
"I would love to have Posada on Team PR. I am waiting to learn his status because of insurance issues."
And finally, Joe Giradi chimed in with:
"Obviously, he's very important to this club," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said recently. "We need him. I'm encouraged right now. ... You can talk about playing three out of four [games] or four out of five, but I think early on the important thing is that we don't abuse him, and allow him to continue to gain strength in that shoulder. I plan on him being our everyday catcher."
I hope this thing dies down and Jorge realizes that he's got to learn 2 new pitchers and needs to have much more of a commitment to the team that signs his paychecks than the country where his dad knocked up his mom.
Tyler Kepner of The New York Times checks in today with some good stuff on the possible trades involving either corner OF, citing interest by the Reds, Nats, Braves, and Giants. From the tone of the piece, it looks like the Yankees aren't going to make a trade for the sake of clearing payroll or opening a spot on the roster. It makes sense. Nady and Swisher are two key guys who can play a meaningful factor in all 162.
Brain Cashman was quoted as well, saying:
“It depends on the trade talk, If we feel there’s a benefit, we’ll make a move. That’s basically it. We’re in a position where we don’t have to make a move, so that’s a strong position to be in. We could have them all year. We’re not going to do anything unless there’s a reason to do it.”
I wouldn't force the issue either. I think that this year will be the year of the mid-season acquisition. The free agent class next year is pretty weak and there's a lot of parity in the divisions these days. A lot of teams will be looking to pick up a key piece at the trading deadline and thinking they have enough to make a run.
The Yankees may find a better market for either player in late June than in January.
On the Spring Training front:
From mlb.com and the boys at RAB the Yankees have offered 20 players non-roster invites to Spring Training. The list is as follows:
Pitchers: Kei Igawa, Jason Johnson, Mark Melancon, Sergio Mitre
Catchers: Kyle Anson, Kevin Cash, Jesus Montero, PJ Pilittere, Austin Romine
Infielders: Doug Bernier, Angel Berroa, Eduardo Nunez, Ramiro Pena, Kevin Russo
Outfielders: Colin Curtis, Shelley Duncan, Austin Jackson, Justin Leone, Todd Linden, John Rodriguez
Notables are of course Austin Jackson, Austin Romine, Jesus Montero, and Mark Melancon as they represent the best and the best known names of our homegrown talent. Keep your eyes on Ramiro Pena, Eduardo Nunez and Kevin Russo though. They will get more opportunities in camp than they normally would due to Derek and Alex's commitments to the WBC.
Jason Johnson, Angel Berroa, Kevin Cash, Todd Linden and John Rodriguez all have MLB experience and all more notable than Kei Igawa's, Justin Leone's, Shelley Duncan's, Doug Bernier's. Berroa was in fact the rookie of the year back in 2003 when he beat out Hideki Matsui for the title.
On the Jorge Posada front:
It's not looking like the Jorge will DH for Puerto Rico in the WBC. The Yankees are telling anyone within earshot that Jorge's just not ready for that kind of commitment.
I think we may get a pissing match yet though.
Cash has decreed:
"I am sure he would love to play [in the World Baseball Classic], but he is currently rehabbing from surgery and would not be ready."
"He wouldn't be able to perform. He won't start on time as a catcher in spring training. It's just a fact. There's nothing I can do about it or the player can do about it. We're hoping to have Jorge by Opening Day, but he will not be the opening spring training catcher, I can tell you that."
Jorge's retort:
"This will be my last chance to play for Puerto Rico, and I'm very clear on that. For that reason, I'll do anything possible to be 100 percent, because it is a dream of mine to wear that uniform."
Jorge's Dad even had this to say:
"He feels fine and wants to play for Puerto Rico."
Team Puerto Rico's GM, Lou Mendez mused:
"I would love to have Posada on Team PR. I am waiting to learn his status because of insurance issues."
And finally, Joe Giradi chimed in with:
"Obviously, he's very important to this club," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said recently. "We need him. I'm encouraged right now. ... You can talk about playing three out of four [games] or four out of five, but I think early on the important thing is that we don't abuse him, and allow him to continue to gain strength in that shoulder. I plan on him being our everyday catcher."
I hope this thing dies down and Jorge realizes that he's got to learn 2 new pitchers and needs to have much more of a commitment to the team that signs his paychecks than the country where his dad knocked up his mom.
10 January 2009
Nady or Swisher
As we inch closer and closer towards the beginning of Spring Training, more and more reports are surfacing in regards to the futures of Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady. It seems that because of the Mark Teixeira signing, the Yankees now have a glut of corner outfielders and DH types -- an issue I alluded to when I incorrectly predicted why Teixeira wouldn't be a Yankee. Ideally I'd love to carry both and trade Damon instead and have listed my reasons why. That doesn't seem to be the case though as the Yankees are mysteriously satisfied with Johnny Leather. Whatever, just make sure you show him the door at the end of this season.
The Washington Nationals have most recently expressed interest in both players via MLB.com. Because they are the Washington Nationals, I haven't a clue what kind of prospects we could acquire via trade, but on first inspection the most likely candidates would be one of either Elijah Dukes or Lastings Milledge.
I really wouldn't mind acquiring either, as they are both very special players with that unfortunate combination of raw talent and personal issues that may prevent them from reaching their full potentials. I figure the leadership in our clubhouse would hopefully alleviate some of those pressures and issues though. Personally, I would value Dukes more, but not by much. I just remember him crushing, what was I think, his first professional HR at the old Yankee Stadium (that feels weird to type) and I've had my eye on him since. It's pretty much a wash though as either would represent an upgrade CF. I know, I know, I've lobbied against a CF upgrade, but these 2 represent the real type of upgrade I'd gladly accept. Besides, we need some brothas on the team.
There is also interest on behalf of the Cincinnati Reds. I am less inclined to consider this one as the rumored trade chips, on the internet at least, are starting pitchers Bronson Arroyo or Aaron Harang. I am fine with solving the 5th starter spot internally from either Alfredo Aceves, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, or Phil Coke. I am also fine with not ever considering Bronson Arroyo for anything. Aaron Harang is certainly more intriguing, but I want to leave that 5th spot for a homegrown pitcher.
So who goes?
The most attractive trade piece is Nady as it would just be a one year commitment that would no doubt net 2 prospects when the player and his agent, the lovable Scott Boras, enter free agency at the end of the year. Swisher has 3 years and $22 million left on his deal. That plus his .219 average last year would prevent most teams from taking that entire deal on. Plus, Swisher's versatility makes him a necessary component on the 2009 Yankees.
Xavier Nady, we hardly knew ye.
The Washington Nationals have most recently expressed interest in both players via MLB.com. Because they are the Washington Nationals, I haven't a clue what kind of prospects we could acquire via trade, but on first inspection the most likely candidates would be one of either Elijah Dukes or Lastings Milledge.
I really wouldn't mind acquiring either, as they are both very special players with that unfortunate combination of raw talent and personal issues that may prevent them from reaching their full potentials. I figure the leadership in our clubhouse would hopefully alleviate some of those pressures and issues though. Personally, I would value Dukes more, but not by much. I just remember him crushing, what was I think, his first professional HR at the old Yankee Stadium (that feels weird to type) and I've had my eye on him since. It's pretty much a wash though as either would represent an upgrade CF. I know, I know, I've lobbied against a CF upgrade, but these 2 represent the real type of upgrade I'd gladly accept. Besides, we need some brothas on the team.
There is also interest on behalf of the Cincinnati Reds. I am less inclined to consider this one as the rumored trade chips, on the internet at least, are starting pitchers Bronson Arroyo or Aaron Harang. I am fine with solving the 5th starter spot internally from either Alfredo Aceves, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, or Phil Coke. I am also fine with not ever considering Bronson Arroyo for anything. Aaron Harang is certainly more intriguing, but I want to leave that 5th spot for a homegrown pitcher.
So who goes?
The most attractive trade piece is Nady as it would just be a one year commitment that would no doubt net 2 prospects when the player and his agent, the lovable Scott Boras, enter free agency at the end of the year. Swisher has 3 years and $22 million left on his deal. That plus his .219 average last year would prevent most teams from taking that entire deal on. Plus, Swisher's versatility makes him a necessary component on the 2009 Yankees.
Xavier Nady, we hardly knew ye.
26 December 2008
Where Do We Go From Here?
The Mark Teixeira acquisition was certainly unexpected from where I sit. I went on record, several times and to any and all who'd listen, that there was basically no room for his services. My reasoning was solid. Youth in the form of Juan Miranda and, eventually, Jesus Montero would be more than adequate at 1B. Posasda's injured shoulder may force him to log some innings at 1B. And the 30+ crew on the other side of the infield may need to switch positions some time in the near future. There was always Nick Swisher too.
I was wrong. No big deal. But all those things don't disappear with Mark Teixeira on the team. So where do we go from here?
Joel Sherman writes in his blog that going forward, the Yankees will now try to move one of the four of Hideki Matsui, Nick Swisher, Johnny Damon, and Xavier Nady. Essentially making that expensive corner OF/DH/1B quartet a trio.
I really love this idea. If getting younger and more athletic is really the plan, dumping one of these guys has the potential of netting you a good young infield prospect (SS anyone?) and a decent OF prospect to boot. Plus you're shaving a hefty chunk of salary off of a much improved and already cheaper team It's win-win-win.
Unfortunately, I do find fault with the Yankee he expects they part with. Sherman writes that Yankees have the most interest in moving Matsui and he cites a few teams that have interest in him. The thing is, to me, Matsui could easily be the best DH in baseball in 2009. Why go out of your way to greatly improve another American League rival? If you're going to move one of those four, it's imperative that you send him to the National League. They are still good to very good players.
Hideki Matsui isn't an attractive NL option however. His injury history and that league's lack of the DH position, oh, and his full No Trade Clause make any sort of move incredibly difficult.
Enter Johnny Damon.
He's serviceable enough in the outfield to play in the NL and is a premiere lead-off man for his career. He's also my LFY (Least Favorite Yankee). The Chicago Cubs, to me, are the perfect team for him. Tell me you couldn't sell that egomaniac on ending 101 years of misery in Chi-Town. He'd love it. There's enough media there to appease his post game gab fests as well. I also hate him. I don't think I can be more blunt in this regard. With Giambi gone, Damon is the new bane of my Yankee existence. Getting rid of him would greatly improve the joy I find when I watch my team.
For those of you who ask "Who's gunna lead us off?" Allow me to reintroduce you to Derek Jeter: Lead-Off hitter Extraordinaire. For those who don't remember, there were a few years in the early 2000's (it's almost been 9 years, where's the nickname for this decade?) where Derek exclusively lead off. In fact, I've always thought he was a better lead-off hitter than Damon was in 2004, despite those HRs in game 7. For his career, Jeter's a .315 hitter when leading off the game. He's got an impressive OBP of .389 and an SLG of .471 in that lead off spot as well. These numbers are in 448 career games too, or a little under 3 full seasons. They're all substantially better than Damon's career line of .289/.355/.438 as lead-off batter too.
The 2 hole is tough to fill going forward, but I really like Swisher there for a while or Cano if that doesn't work. And the best part about this scenario is it's not set in stone by any means. All I'm doing is buying time for Brett Gardner to hit 9th and prove he can consistently get on base. In the event he can do that, he's my lead-off hitter after the All Star Break. He's already proven he can steal bases, score runs, and make a big difference when his on-base. A full season of Johnny Damon blocks any possible progression Brett could make in 09.
After all we are tying to get younger and more athletic, right?
I was wrong. No big deal. But all those things don't disappear with Mark Teixeira on the team. So where do we go from here?
Joel Sherman writes in his blog that going forward, the Yankees will now try to move one of the four of Hideki Matsui, Nick Swisher, Johnny Damon, and Xavier Nady. Essentially making that expensive corner OF/DH/1B quartet a trio.
I really love this idea. If getting younger and more athletic is really the plan, dumping one of these guys has the potential of netting you a good young infield prospect (SS anyone?) and a decent OF prospect to boot. Plus you're shaving a hefty chunk of salary off of a much improved and already cheaper team It's win-win-win.
Unfortunately, I do find fault with the Yankee he expects they part with. Sherman writes that Yankees have the most interest in moving Matsui and he cites a few teams that have interest in him. The thing is, to me, Matsui could easily be the best DH in baseball in 2009. Why go out of your way to greatly improve another American League rival? If you're going to move one of those four, it's imperative that you send him to the National League. They are still good to very good players.
Hideki Matsui isn't an attractive NL option however. His injury history and that league's lack of the DH position, oh, and his full No Trade Clause make any sort of move incredibly difficult.
Enter Johnny Damon.
He's serviceable enough in the outfield to play in the NL and is a premiere lead-off man for his career. He's also my LFY (Least Favorite Yankee). The Chicago Cubs, to me, are the perfect team for him. Tell me you couldn't sell that egomaniac on ending 101 years of misery in Chi-Town. He'd love it. There's enough media there to appease his post game gab fests as well. I also hate him. I don't think I can be more blunt in this regard. With Giambi gone, Damon is the new bane of my Yankee existence. Getting rid of him would greatly improve the joy I find when I watch my team.
For those of you who ask "Who's gunna lead us off?" Allow me to reintroduce you to Derek Jeter: Lead-Off hitter Extraordinaire. For those who don't remember, there were a few years in the early 2000's (it's almost been 9 years, where's the nickname for this decade?) where Derek exclusively lead off. In fact, I've always thought he was a better lead-off hitter than Damon was in 2004, despite those HRs in game 7. For his career, Jeter's a .315 hitter when leading off the game. He's got an impressive OBP of .389 and an SLG of .471 in that lead off spot as well. These numbers are in 448 career games too, or a little under 3 full seasons. They're all substantially better than Damon's career line of .289/.355/.438 as lead-off batter too.The 2 hole is tough to fill going forward, but I really like Swisher there for a while or Cano if that doesn't work. And the best part about this scenario is it's not set in stone by any means. All I'm doing is buying time for Brett Gardner to hit 9th and prove he can consistently get on base. In the event he can do that, he's my lead-off hitter after the All Star Break. He's already proven he can steal bases, score runs, and make a big difference when his on-base. A full season of Johnny Damon blocks any possible progression Brett could make in 09.
After all we are tying to get younger and more athletic, right?
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