Nick Swisher acquired by Yankees

November 13, 5:11 PMNew York Yankees ExaminerPete Sabatini

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In a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, the New York Yankees acquired outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher and minor league pitcher Kanekoa Texeira in exchange for Yankee backup infielder Wilson Betemit and minor league pitchers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez.

The 27-year-old switch-hitting Swisher had a rough 2008 with the White Sox.  While he stroked 24 homeruns and scored 86 runs, he batted a league worst .219 in 497 at bats. 

The Yankees must be hoping that Swisher can get back to the form he showed with the A’s in 2006 when he hit 36 homeruns, scored 106 runs, 95 RBI, and batted a meager, but better, .254. 

Swisher’s not a batting champ but he’s very versatile and knows how to hit for power and score runs.  While the Yanks currently plan to let Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner battle it out for center and fans hope that Mark Teixeira will be holding down first, Swisher gives the Yanks another option for both of those roles.

Wilson Betemit wasn’t exactly hitting the cover off the ball either, but considering the versatility, youth, and potential upside to Swisher, this is an upgrade.

This isn’t the big splash signing we’re all waiting for, but it’s a start.