After sending Jason Giambi packing after the 2008 season, the New York Yankees traded Wilson Betemit and two minor league pitchers to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday in exchange for Nick Swisher, who could be a candidate to play first base next season.
“We’re excited with the addition of Nick Swisher,” Girardi said in a statement released by the team. “We feel he has a ton of upside. He’s a patient switch-hitter, adds versatility at a number of defensive positions, including first base and the outfield, and will be a positive presence inside the clubhouse.”
The Yankees are currently looking at a possible outfield alignment of Johnny Damon in left field, a platoon of Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera in center, and Xavier Nady in right. Hideki Matsui is also coming back from knee surgery, and could play left or be a designated hitter.
Swisher made 69 starts in center field, 47 starts at first base, 16 starts in left and 11 starts in right for Chicago last season. His arrival in New York could lessen the chances of the Yankees offering salary arbitration to right fielder Bobby Abreu, who hit .296 and drove in 100 runs last season.
This is kind of a strange move considering the Yankees need so much pitching – not too mention Swisher was one of the worst hitters in baseball last year. But obviously the Bombers needed to fill the vacancy Giambi left at first and it doesn’t sound like they gave up too much. (Betemit has never lived up to his potential.)
