Now, all that Yankee money can go toward CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, where it best belongs. Mark Teixeira's best bet is to remain an Angel, with the Yanks' acquisition of Nick Swisher. And given his strikeout totals, it's probably not a swell idea to put Mike Cameron in center anymore.
Still, Brian Cashman managed to keep Melky Cabreraout of this deal (though Cabrera seems to have his days numbered in pinstripes). On a conference call today, Cashman said he'd tried to land Swisher from Oakland last year, before he was deal to Chicago. He'd inquired about Swisher before the GM Meetings last week, and Chi-Sox GM Kenny Williams personally scouted right-hander Jeff Marquez (somewhat untouchable last year) at the Arizona Fall League.
Good deal? Seems to be. Wilson Betemit wasn't going to be on the '09 Yanks, and Swisher's one of those gritty-gutty-grinder types the Yanks desperately need. Plus, he's an instant upgrade at first base, and also an above average corner outfielder - a guy who also played 70 games in center field last year.
Marquez and Jhonny Nunez might have impacted the bullpen late in '09, but the Yanks also got a decent relief prospect in Hawaii resident Kanekoa (not that Teixeira) Texeira. Swisher's power and versatility combo is a good start to Cashman's winter.
"If the season started today, that's where he'd be (first base), but the season doesn't start today,'' Cashman said of a deal that "allows us to be open minded.'' Swisher will be in the lineup every day.
Cashman didn't plan to phone Sabathia or his agent in under three hours from now, when he officiall can make an offer. "I will be asleep hopefully at midnight,'' Cashman said. But it'll be 9 p.m. in California...
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