With the New York Yankees' historical American League Championship sweep -first time since the Bronx Bombers got torpedoed by George Brett in 1980- at the expense of the Detroit Tigers, it should make for a somewhat intriguing possibility involving one-time A's fan-favorite Nick Swisher. The 31-year-old Swisher will head into the offseason as a free agent and might not be re-signed.
The Yankees, because New York refuses to accept that its beloved ball team should get smothered offensively by any pitching staff as the Tigers' did, are sure to make at least some changes to the lineup. And Swisher's expiring contract, plus his clutch hitting status as "choke-meister general" for his lack of career RISP production in the playoffs, makes it convenient to jettison the 31-year-old.
Which brings us to a long shot scenario but worthy of a Friday morning thought: Could the A's make a play to bring back Swisher to the fold with his original organization? I guess it comes down to whether Lew Wolff or John Fisher are willing to increase the payroll with the intent to capitalize on Oakland's unexpected Western Division title and the fans' reinvigorated love affair for Easy Bay baseball.
Then again, perhaps the A's, if they do throw around more green for the Green and Gold, would be wiser to spend it elsewhere than for another outfielder. Swisher, who's averaged 26 home runs and 83 RBI in his eight full big-league seasons, would not dramatically be an upgrade over the combination of defense and power (Josh Reddick in right), speed and veteran presence (Coco Crisp in center) and emerging superstar talent (Yoenis Cespedes in left) that gives the A's a solid outfield. However, Swisher can play first base, and despite a nice platoon delivered in 2012 by Brandon Moss and Chris Carter (combined 37 homers and 91 RBI), you wonder if that duo could duplicate the long-range consistency at the plate Swisher has delivered in his career.
Still, the A's have a more pressing concern at other positions than the corner outfield and first base. At least Moss and to a lesser extent Carter showed they are capable of being productive, and it's difficult to to object if Billy Beane decides to go in that direction again for 2013. Shortstop arguably remains the biggest question mark with Stephen Drew, who was solid but hardly spectacular after his stretch drive arrival from Arizona, likely to swim in free-agent waters despite having a mutual option to return available. Jemile Weeks lost his second base starting job and regressed significantly from his dazzling rookie debut in 2011, but could win the job again by default if Cliff Pennington must go back to shortstop and replace Drew. And while catcher Derek Norris has promise, he has a lot to prove in terms of being a 130-game big-league starter after at times struggling mightily offensively and letting the Tigers run wild against him in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Which brings us back to Swisher. I don't see it happening. The way teams are overspending to sign free agents, Swisher will likely cash in somewhere with deep-pocketed and less frugal teams. And given the cavalcade of boos raining down on Swisher whenever he came to bat in Oakland this season, Athletics' fans have moved on and would probably prefer if there is money to spend, use it up the middle of the diamond than at the edges.
Plus, Swisher is too Hollywood and Broadway for the East Bay these days, "Moneyball" and Terry Kiser of "Bernie" fame appearances aside. And maybe the Joanna Garcia Swisher curse is not to be dismissed. Another year, another canceled television show in season one for Mrs. Nick.
In all seriousness, and maybe it's not serious this is even a possibility anyway, but the A's should pass on making a play for Swisher.
The Yankees, because New York refuses to accept that its beloved ball team should get smothered offensively by any pitching staff as the Tigers' did, are sure to make at least some changes to the lineup. And Swisher's expiring contract, plus his clutch hitting status as "choke-meister general" for his lack of career RISP production in the playoffs, makes it convenient to jettison the 31-year-old.
Which brings us to a long shot scenario but worthy of a Friday morning thought: Could the A's make a play to bring back Swisher to the fold with his original organization? I guess it comes down to whether Lew Wolff or John Fisher are willing to increase the payroll with the intent to capitalize on Oakland's unexpected Western Division title and the fans' reinvigorated love affair for Easy Bay baseball.
Then again, perhaps the A's, if they do throw around more green for the Green and Gold, would be wiser to spend it elsewhere than for another outfielder. Swisher, who's averaged 26 home runs and 83 RBI in his eight full big-league seasons, would not dramatically be an upgrade over the combination of defense and power (Josh Reddick in right), speed and veteran presence (Coco Crisp in center) and emerging superstar talent (Yoenis Cespedes in left) that gives the A's a solid outfield. However, Swisher can play first base, and despite a nice platoon delivered in 2012 by Brandon Moss and Chris Carter (combined 37 homers and 91 RBI), you wonder if that duo could duplicate the long-range consistency at the plate Swisher has delivered in his career.
Still, the A's have a more pressing concern at other positions than the corner outfield and first base. At least Moss and to a lesser extent Carter showed they are capable of being productive, and it's difficult to to object if Billy Beane decides to go in that direction again for 2013. Shortstop arguably remains the biggest question mark with Stephen Drew, who was solid but hardly spectacular after his stretch drive arrival from Arizona, likely to swim in free-agent waters despite having a mutual option to return available. Jemile Weeks lost his second base starting job and regressed significantly from his dazzling rookie debut in 2011, but could win the job again by default if Cliff Pennington must go back to shortstop and replace Drew. And while catcher Derek Norris has promise, he has a lot to prove in terms of being a 130-game big-league starter after at times struggling mightily offensively and letting the Tigers run wild against him in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Which brings us back to Swisher. I don't see it happening. The way teams are overspending to sign free agents, Swisher will likely cash in somewhere with deep-pocketed and less frugal teams. And given the cavalcade of boos raining down on Swisher whenever he came to bat in Oakland this season, Athletics' fans have moved on and would probably prefer if there is money to spend, use it up the middle of the diamond than at the edges.
Plus, Swisher is too Hollywood and Broadway for the East Bay these days, "Moneyball" and Terry Kiser of "Bernie" fame appearances aside. And maybe the Joanna Garcia Swisher curse is not to be dismissed. Another year, another canceled television show in season one for Mrs. Nick.
In all seriousness, and maybe it's not serious this is even a possibility anyway, but the A's should pass on making a play for Swisher.
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