It is stupid to even discuss trading Swisher or Nady. Nady is the perfect corner outfielder for this team. He is good defensively--good arm and good speed (not afraid of the wall like Abreu). A proven New York performer, he was here with the Mets and proved he could come through in clutch situations for the Yankees. Nady is also great in the clubhouse.
Swisher is 28 and entering his prime. He has consistantly had a great OBP and is a switch hitter with power. He has proved he can play all of the outfield positions and can back up at 1st base. Swisher is a great addition to the clubhouse--an Ohio State graduate so he is a bright guy.
Who is the rocket scientist that says Damon can't play center? When they signed him they knew he didn't have an arm. Melky and his .240 batting average is too much of a liability. Gardner still hasn't proved he can play everyday and right now would be good for coming off the bench.
Damon and Matsui have had stints on the disabled list and they are not getting any younger. I would feel more comfortable relying on Swisher or Nady to play extended innings than Melky or Gardner. Both Nady and Swisher have played center field and can back up Damon.
What would the Yankees get in return for either of these guys? The bullpen is set, they'll never get a pitcher better than Hughes in return for these players, and there is no room in the infield or behind the plate. The Yankees would also have to pay a portion of their salaries if they trade them. There are so many free agent outfielders available, the need to trade for Nady or Swisher is minimal.
Can anyone enlighten me with the logic of trading Nady or Swisher? Am I missing something?
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I agree that id rather rely on Nady or Swisher than Melky. Melky is a less than average center fielder, and im not that crazy about his hitting either who falls in to heavy slumps at a time. so yeah thats all i have to say about that.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, except barring injury there's not enough playing time to go around for everyone, and Swisher is likely the odd man out. If he's ok with bench duty then keep him for his versatility, but this deal was clearly made A) in case the Yanks didn't land Tex and B) to dump the near-worthless Wilson Betemit.
ReplyDeleteAs far as CF goes, they could afford to slide Damon back over there for a year. At this point in his career, hes a good CF and a great LF. Swisher and Nady, though, both are poor options to play center for more than a few scattered innings. I expect to see Nady in RF, Damon in LF, and Gardner in CF, but all that can change in the springtime.
I bet Cash Money isn't done dealing yet.