Swishing It Up

After 1 spectacular season, 2 solid ones, and three horrendous postseasons, the Yankees triggered their option on RF Nick Swisher. Their reasons were simple:

1) They like him
2) Can you find someone better?

I can't argue with the first claim.

The second one is dubious.

His stats during three seasons in New York are:

424/1590 H/AB
81 home runs
256 RBIs
1-time All-Star

However, in 24 postseason games, he has been a complete disaster, hitting only .169 in THREE YEARS!

The Yankees deserve an upgrade, but they aren't willing to commit to Carlos Beltran because of health reasons, and the right fielder market this season is weak, topping off with Beltran, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, and (don't get me started about!) J.D. Drew.

But then you get to a familiar face, a borderline Hall of Famer, and a man whom I have liked since the Yankee Dynasty began.

Andruw Jones

The 10-time Gold Glove centerfielder could be a valuable piece of the Yankees if he is placed in right field. He is the youngest man to ever homer in the World Series (1996 Game 3 at the age of 19 off of Andy Pettitte)!

He has proved that he can be an excellent fielder and hitter, and is familiar with the Yankees and the players, so why not try it?

What have they got to lose?

Oh, yes, there's that?

Swisher strikes out with the bases loaded in game 5 of the 2011 ALDS. Not to be confused with him striking out with the bases loaded in the 2009 ALDS.

Yankees 2012: The Outfield

The Yankee Outfield in 2011 surprised me a bit.  While all three starters have had their slumps, they have mostly been productive.  But will that be enough for their return.

Curtis Granderson will without a doubt start 2012 as the centerfielder.  While he has hit slumps this season, he has been exteremely productive, with over 40 homers and 100 RBI's, in addition to over 20 stolen bases, 10 triples, and 135 runs scored.

Image Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/6091939612/

Brett Gardner has had his struggles in 2011, but he will nevertheless start 2012 in left field. I feel he is underrated and has the potential to be a leadoff hitter someday.  Look for him to receive an actual contract soon instead of yearly arbritration.

Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/5652105264/


That leaves right field.  While Nick Swisher started the year ice cold, he has since put together a solid season of over 20 homers, 80 RBI's, and almost 100 walks.  While his spot on the 2012 roster is not guaranteed, it is not a given he will leave either.

Now pitching for the Yankees, number 33, Nick Swisher

...wait, what?!?!

Image courtesy of http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Morning-Juice-Now-pitching-for-the-Yankees-?urn=mlb-155472

If the Yankees opt not to re-sign Swisher, look for Greg Golson or Chris Dickerson to start 2012 in right field.

That just leaves Andruw Jones.  He started off the season with a home run in his first Yankee at-bat, and has been decent off the bench, but his spot for 2012 is certainly not a lock and he could easily be traded to a team needing a quality outfielder or DH.

Keeping up with the Joneses!

(John Sterling)
Image courtesy of http://bronxbaseballdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/andruw-jones-540x375.jpg