Swisher to see value boost in Yanks batting order

November 17, 2:54 PMNY Fantasy Sports ExaminerLee Forman

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The Yankees kicked off the fantasy hot stove here in New York by completing a trade for 1B/OF Nick Swisher last week.  Swisher played last season for the Chicago White Sox after spending the first four years of his career in the cavernous Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

He is certain to have 1B and OF eligibility in your league.  In five seasons his at-bats have been spread equally – 635 while playing first, 649 in right field, and 434 in center.  Yankees GM Brian Cashman has already stated that he expects Swisher to start at first base this season which unofficially ends the Yanks pursuit of fantasy stud Mark Teixeira.

Swisher had a down year with the bat last season.  He hit only .219 with 24 home runs and 69 runs batted in.  He did score 86 runs and draw 82 walks helping to raise his on-base percentage to a modest .332.  Before last season, Swisher had a career .251 batting average showing there is much room for improvement in that category. 

Swisher’s best offensive season came back in 2006 when he hit .254 while blasting 35 home runs and driving in 95 runs in a notoriously spacious stadium.  It remains to be seen how the new Yankees Stadium will treat pitchers and hitters alike but Swisher has the potential to hit it out of any park at any time.

It is also unclear where Swisher’s spot in the batting order will be.  If he bats close to A-Rod expect numbers close to .260 with 35 home runs and 100 runs batted in.  He will be 28 years old once the season begins and is entering the midst of his offense prime.  With a stronger line-up around him also expect more walks causing more chances to score runs. 

Don’t pay too much or grab too early.  As long as you can compensate for the batting average lull he is a nice addition to anyone’s fantasy squad. 

For more hot stove coverage of the New York Yankees be sure to check out Yankees Examiner Pete Sabatini’s page.  Pete had this to say about the Yankees acquisition of Nick Swisher.