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Sox pick up Nick Swisher
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Author:  Hawkeye Vince [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Sox pick up Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher coming from the A's for Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Sweeney.

Corner OF with career OPS above 800 and 27 years old (prime time?).
Author:  Frank Coztansa [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
i like this move

this should bring some of the female fans back lost with the departures of garland and pods

i hope kenny does not trade for gio again next off season
Author:  Bagels [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Frank Coztansa wrote:
i like this move.


+1
Author:  Brian's Mojito [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
I kept saying that it was a little premature to roast Kenny for his offseason moves.
I believe the team is in better shape now, but I still have questions in the outfield. Does this mean that Owens will start in CF? What happens to Josh Fields? Crede is still on the roster and the Sox now have a left fielder.
I would still like to see the team pick up another starting pitcher.
Author:  Hawkeye Vince [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
I do like this move. Unfortunately, they still need people to get on base in front of Konerko, Swisher, Dye and Thome. I wouldn't mind to see Thome or Konerko moved.
Author:  Mustang Rob [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hawkeye Vince wrote:
I do like this move. Unfortunately, they still need people to get on base in front of Konerko, Swisher, Dye and Thome. I wouldn't mind to see Thome or Konerko moved.

Right,
cause Cabrera doesn't get on base all that much.
Author:  BD [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sox pick up Nick Swisher
Hawkeye Vince wrote:
Nick Swisher coming from the A's for Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Sweeney.

Corner OF with career OPS above 800 and 27 years old (prime time?).


Swisher is going to hit a lot of home runs in the Cell. Gave up a lot of pitching, but this guy is going to put up some numbers for the White Sox.
Author:  BD [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
bigguscattus wrote:
I kept saying that it was a little premature to roast Kenny for his offseason moves.
I believe the team is in better shape now, but I still have questions in the outfield. Does this mean that Owens will start in CF? What happens to Josh Fields? Crede is still on the roster and the Sox now have a left fielder.
I would still like to see the team pick up another starting pitcher.


This is where it gets interesting - some thought that Swisher would be a CF, but he's probably a bit too big now for that spot.

I think we could see Quentin/Owens in CF, and Swisher in LF.

Fields is at 3B, and Crede is still likely gone sometime before the start of the season.
Author:  Hawkeye Vince [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mustang Rob wrote:
Hawkeye Vince wrote:
I do like this move. Unfortunately, they still need people to get on base in front of Konerko, Swisher, Dye and Thome. I wouldn't mind to see Thome or Konerko moved.

Right,
cause Cabrera doesn't get on base all that much.


Cabrera is fine, but who else? Owens? He was around 320 OBP last year, not great for the lead off man.

Also, now they are saying the Sox gave up 1,2 and 6th rated prospects in this deal.
Author:  Keyser Soze [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Kenny's not done making moves. He still needs a CF/leadoff man. Don't forget Swisher can play 1st.

I like this trade.
Author:  Crystal Lake Hoffy [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sox also traded de los santos with this deal
Author:  Mustang Rob [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
If the White Sox follow the Red Sox blueprint, the line up would be:

1) Cabrera SS
2) Swisher LF
3) Thome DH
4) Dye RF
5) Konerko 1B
6) AJ C
7) Fields 3B
8) Richar/Uribe 2B
9) Owens CF

Swisher would play the Youk role and get on base for Thome, Konerko & Dye the way Youk does for Ortiz & Manny.

You still have Crede to move for either a CF or to restock the pitching depth.
Author:  The Gridiron Assassin [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Chicago White Sox have acquired switch-hitting outfielder Nick Swisher from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for three minor league players, pitcher Gio Gonzalez, pitcher Fautino De Los Santos and outfielder Ryan Sweeney. The trade was announced Thursday afternoon by Ken Williams, White Sox general manager and senior vice president.

Swisher, 27, batted .262 (141-539) with 22 home runs and 78 RBI in 150 games for the Athletics in 2007, setting career-bests for batting average, on-base percentage (.381), walks (100), doubles (36) and stolen bases (three).

"Nick is a quality switch hitter who consistently gets on base, hits for power and drives in runs," Williams said. "He gives Ozzie Guillen offensive flexibility with his ability to hit in a number of spots up and down the batting order, and his athleticism allows him to play any outfield position or first base. Nick brings to the ballpark a mix of hard-nosed play, energy and a commitment to winning, and he brings it each and every day. He's a great addition to our team and clubhouse."

The 6-foot, 215-pound Swisher is signed through the 2011 season with a club option for 2012.


Link: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/pr ... p&c_id=cws

I like the deal, but I wouldn't be surprised if both Crede and Konerko are dealt before Spring Training.
Author:  The Gridiron Assassin [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
.262 career-best batting average ??

That's not so good.
Author:  Mustang Rob [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
The 27-year-old Swisher, a switch-hitter and a favorite in the clubhouse because of his high-energy, playful nature, had been one of the few constants for Oakland in recent seasons


"The fire & the passion" part II :wink:
Author:  BD [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mustang Rob wrote:
If the White Sox follow the Red Sox blueprint, the line up would be:

1) Cabrera SS
2) Swisher LF
3) Thome DH
4) Dye RF
5) Konerko 1B
6) AJ C
7) Fields 3B
8) Richar/Uribe 2B
9) Owens CF

Swisher would play the Youk role and get on base for Thome, Konerko & Dye the way Youk does for Ortiz & Manny.

You still have Crede to move for either a CF or to restock the pitching depth.


It's a strong lineup IF those guys can get back to what we expect.

Pitching, that 3-5 in the rotation (Contreras-Denks-Floyd) is what will prevent this team from being in contention though.
Author:  Frank Coztansa [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
he IS a grinder!
Author:  BD [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nas wrote:
This is an awful deal. :roll:


I don't think it's a bad deal if he hits like I expect to in the Cell. Plus, it's not like our pitching prospects have worked out too well.
Author:  Regular Reader [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
After Cabrera & Owens, that is one lineup full of plodders. :? De Los Santos is the part of that trade that I really wonder about. Admittedly it was minor league ball, but his name was one of the few 'prospects' you really heard many encouraging things about. But then again, he WAS a Sox minor leaguer, and absent college players, this system has developed little in the last 20, 30, 50 years...

Here's to hope, and Crede's back improving ASAP.
Author:  FredsMissingNuts [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
The one thing about this guy is he gets hurt a lot. Secondly, his power numbers dropped after hitting 36 long balls, hmmmmmmmmmm, HGH anyone. So-So deal, still doesnt bring the sox to the level of the Tigers or Indians. Here is a article I found on him


Nick Swisher has seen his power numbers drop and his on-base percentage rise in his third full season in the big leagues. The 26-year-old switch-hitter has drawn a career-high 100 walks but has gone deep just 22 times after powering 36 long balls last year. Overall, the former Ohio State Buckeye is hitting .261/.383/.457 with 36 doubles and 76 RBI as the 2007 regular season enters its final day.

David talked to Swisher about adjusting to a steady diet of off-speed pitches, his left-right splits, and why hitting is a lot like building a house.

---

David Laurila: How would you describe yourself as a hitter?

Nick Swisher: A grinder. I grind out at-bats, I fight, I hit deep in the count. I’m not very much of a free swinger, although I’ve tried to get myself into more of an ability to do that. One way you can look at it is that if you have a hundred walks, and a hundred-plus strikeouts--that’s two hundred and some at-bats where you don’t even put the ball into play. But one thing about the A’s is that walks are important, and on-base is important, and that’s something I try to strive for.

DL: Do you consider yourself a power hitter?

NS: Maybe for a switch-hitter; maybe a little bit. I’m not a guy who is going to go out and hit you 60 home runs a year--although I guess I’d like to think that it’s possible--but I will hit you anywhere between 20 and 35, maybe 40 home runs a season. So all of those years where I hit 35-plus--yeah, I’m a power hitter!

DL: How would you assess your 2007 season?

NS: It’s been okay. I’ve definitely learned a lot. Being in the three-hole most of the year, I’ve been able to understand that now, in my third season, you’re not going to get that good 2-0 cookie anymore. Guys are going to drill your weaknesses, and that’s something I’m really trying to work on.

DL: Do you feel that not being challenged as often is a sign of your having earned more respect as a hitter?

NS: Maybe. I don’t know if it’s that or not, but this season I’m definitely seeing a lot more offspeed pitches than I have before. Now I’m just learning how to make that adjustment.

DL: What are you most, and least, satisfied with this year from an offensive standpoint?

NS: I’d say that I’m most satisfied with the amount of walks. Besides that--wow, I’ve never even thought about half of this stuff. But walks--on-base percentage is big, especially within this organization. I’ve jumped my batting average up from last year, so I guess I can say I’m proud of that. [Editor’s note: Swisher was hitting .265 at the time of the interview.]

DL: Are there any specific numbers that you wish were better?

NS: Every number; every statistical number. But that’s anybody. If you ask any player who wants to be the best at what they’re doing, he’s going to say that he wishes all of his numbers were better.

DL: Are you satisfied with your left/right splits this season?

NS: Yeah. I mean, I’m still learning how to be a successful switch-hitter; it’s tough, it’s different. This year, more than last, I’m getting switched around a lot more. My right-handed swings have been solid all year for me, which has really helped get me through some rough times.

DL: By getting switched around a lot more, you’re referring to teams bringing right-handers in to face you in certain situations?

NS: Exactly. But I’m learning more every year, and just trying to get better.

DL: When you’re not swinging as well from one side of the plate, do you generally do more work from that side, or do you try to stay consistent with your routine?

NS: I mostly try to keep everything equal. Maybe I’ll do a little more early work on one side or the other, but if you ask any switch-hitter, it’s very rare that you’re ever going to feel great from both sides of the plate. And if you do, you better take as much advantage as you can, because it doesn’t come around very often.

DL: Three of the most important components of hitting are your core, your hands, and your head. Which do you feel is the most important?

NS: I don’t think that any of those are the most important. Your foundation and feet are the most important. Hitting is just like building a house; you have to work from the ground up. If something’s not feeling right, you start with your feet. Maybe your timing is off, and for me, maybe my leg-kick gets a little too big. So you work your way up, from your feet, to your legs, to your waist, to your core, to your shoulders, to your hands. So I’d say the most important things are your feet and your eyes. You need to have a good foundation and you need to see the ball.

DL: Carlos Pena recently said that a key to hitting, for him, is turning his brain off and just seeing the ball.

NS: Exactly! We all wish that we could do that. What’s that quote from Bull Durham? Don’t think; you’re only going to hurt the team! That’s exactly how it is, because when you get in certain situations, you might get yourself too hyped up. At least for me; I’m a naturally hyper guy. So I just try to tone everything down, get in a rhythm, and stay with it.

DL: Do you like to look at charts when you prepare for a game?

NS: No, I’m not a chart guy, I’m not a stat guy. I don’t look at the scoreboard every time I come up to hit. I know how I’m feeling, and I can tell you what my numbers are by how my swing is going and how I feel.

DL: You’re facing Curt Schilling tonight. Do you basically know how you’ve done against him from memory alone?

NS: Just memory. I’m big on memory, and I could tell you what he struck me out on in my third at-bat in Oakland a year ago. So I’m not one of those guys who likes to break things down on a chart. Ty Van Burkelo, our hitting coach, does a tremendous job with the scouting reports, and he gives things to us. He watches video, and knows exactly what a guy wants to throw in certain counts. That’s with runners on, or not, and in certain counts--what he likes to throw early in the count and how he likes to try to put you away. I go with what he thinks.

DL: How much do individual pitchers impact your approach? For instance, will you come to the plate tonight with the same game plan you had yesterday?

NS: Will I have the same game plan against Schilling? Hell no! He’s a different pitcher, and he’s going to attack me differently than, say, Jake Westbrook of the Indians would. There’s no doubt about it. Tim Wakefield is going to pitch me differently than Jonathan Papelbon.

DL: What is the toughest pitch to hit in baseball?

NS: A good changeup or a good split.

DL: As a hitter, what can you do to better handle those pitches?

NS: I think you need to know how a guy is going to attack you. If he has a great changeup, he’s going to come at you with that. There are so many different guys that have so many different pitches, and they come at you from different arm-slots. But those two pitches are the hardest to hit for me--a good change or splitter.

DL: You have a website: nickswisher.net. Can you tell us a little about it?

NS: It’s just a way to get closer to the fans, on a more personal level, and it’s really done wonders. Another big reason is for my charity, which is called Swish's Wishes. It’s a non-profit organization that helps kids in need, and it’s been great--it’s been a lot of fun. They’ve done a tremendous job, and I couldn’t be happier with it. I’d love to have people go to nickswisher.net and check it out.

DL: Changing direction yet again, what do you consider to be the best rivalry in sports?

NS: The best rivalry in sports is Ohio State/Michigan.

DL: Who’s going to win the Michigan/Ohio State football game this coming November?

NS: Ohio State, man. Even though Michigan has been picking it up, Ohio State has been solid all year. Jim Tressel does a tremendous job of getting players ready to play in big games, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the Buckeyes are going to take it home again.
Author:  Mustang Rob [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
Makes me think that they decided that Gio's ceiling is lower than previously thought, and they are "selling high".
He's hit a wall after 100 IP in AA ball two years in the row now.

Also,
Swisher played 60 games in CF last year for the A's.
Author:  Keyser Soze [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Swisher is due $34.5 mil for 5 yrs ($10.25 mil option included). He's a proven 27 yr old power hitting switch hitter (he hit 78 HR's in the last 3 seasons) that can play all 3 OF positions and 1B. And all Kenny gave up was 3 suspects.

Hunter 32 5 yr $90 mil
Rowand 30 5 yr $60 mil
Jones 30 2 yr 36.2 mil

This is a no brainer.
Author:  Mustang Rob [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Keyser Soze wrote:
Swisher is due $34.5 mil for 5 yrs ($10.25 mil option included). He's a proven 27 yr old power hitting switch hitter (he hit 78 HR's in the last 3 seasons) that can play all 3 OF positions and 1B. And all Kenny gave up was 3 suspects.

Hunter 32 5 yr $90 mil
Rowand 30 5 yr $60 mil
Jones 30 2 yr 36.2 mil

This is a no brainer.


Add Fukudome to that list @ 4 yrs $48 mil
Author:  The Gridiron Assassin [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mustang Rob wrote:
Makes me think that they decided that Gio's ceiling is lower than previously thought, and they are "selling high".
He's hit a wall after 100 IP in AA ball two years in the row now.


Who knows, maybe Gio is a modern day Robbie Alomar. Kenny will trade for him again to make him a White Sox player a third time.
Author:  Mustang Rob [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Gridiron Assassin wrote:
Mustang Rob wrote:
Makes me think that they decided that Gio's ceiling is lower than previously thought, and they are "selling high".
He's hit a wall after 100 IP in AA ball two years in the row now.


Who knows, maybe Gio is a modern day Robbie Alomar. Kenny will trade for him again to make him a White Sox player a third time.


I thought you were going to say that he spit in Hirshbeck's face too :wink:
Author:  Ugueth Will Shiv You [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sox pick up Nick Swisher
BD wrote:
Hawkeye Vince wrote:
Nick Swisher coming from the A's for Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Sweeney.

Corner OF with career OPS above 800 and 27 years old (prime time?).


Swisher is going to hit a lot of home runs in the Cell. Gave up a lot of pitching, but this guy is going to put up some numbers for the White Sox.


Agreed. This is a very promising move from KW during a time of what appeared to be GM futility. I'll be interested to see how this turns out.
Author:  The Gridiron Assassin [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
I just hope Kenny didn't have an itchy trigger finger, making a move just to make a move.
Author:  Frank Coztansa [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nas wrote:
I think this is a terrible move and I think Kenny overpaid. Swisher isn't a 2nd tier outfielder and Kenny traded 2 of his top prospects for him.


Ok Nas...Swisher may not be a 2nd tier OF (but he will hit HRs at the Cell), but this "top prospect" the Sox gave up has never even made it to Charlotte, let alone the MLB level. How is this bad again?
Author:  FredsMissingNuts [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nick is a product of HGH, you just got a 260 hitter who will never sniff 36 homers again, but he walks, great. Another slow guy to run the bases also. Not a bad trade, not even close to a great trade.
Author:  Mustang Rob [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Get to know your new outfielder Chicago.
http://www.nickswisher.net
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