Nick Swisher's value

by Travis G on Sep 2, 2009 12:00 PM EDT in New York Yankees Analysis

The player who Swisher essentially replaced, Bobby Abreu, was the better player for most of this year (in terms of RAR (Runs Above Replacement)), but recently, primarily due to defense, Swisher has taken the lead in the 'Who would the Yankees rather have in rightfield?' contest.

Like last year, Abreu has been poor on defense. He's cost the Angels almost nine runs in the field. Conversely, Swisher has played above average defense, saving the Yankees more than three runs.

So despite Abreu having a slightly better offensive year (17.8 vs. 16.4 RAR), the large difference in defense (12 runs) makes Swisher the better player. He's accounted for 29 Runs Above Replacement while Abreu, just 21.

Even in the pitch taking department, Swisher is better. He sees 4.27 pitches/PA while Abreu sees (a still impressive) 4.15. Swisher is eighth in MLB (second in the AL) in pitches/PA. Abreu is 25th (10th in the AL).

Outside of all the stats, I personally enjoy watching Swisher more than Abreu. He always has a smile on his face, has fun on the field, isn't afraid of the rightfield wall (as evidenced by his fine play last night), and last but not least, has a freakin' mohawk. Do any of these make the team better? Who really knows. I'm not a believer in 'chemistry' having an impact on winning, but from a fan's perspective, I love having him on my team.

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Agreed on all fronts...

I’ve never been a real stats guy, but the bottom line is I just enjoy watching the guy play. Of course there’s been a few clunkers out in the OF for him, but you can’t ever question the guy’s effort out there. I too am glad he’s on this team.

Plus his CCAR (Clubhouse Chemistry Above Replacement) leads all of the major professional sports leagues.

by NumberSeven on Sep 2, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions

Agree Pt.2

Whatever numbers edge Abreu did or does have over Swish, I’d just rather Swish on the squad, he just brings what I love about a solid baseball player: Passion, grit, charisma and most importantly skill—-Happy with the addition.

Now only if they could start mentioning his name when they talk about the team’s 09 additions. They seem to only mention CC, A.J and Tex.

-I'm the straw that stirs the drink.........Then I drink the drink too.

by ReggieARodJeter on Sep 2, 2009 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

value

also Swisher can play more positions. Abreu was RF and DH. Swisher can play 1B CF and LF if needed, along with RF and DH.

He’s one of a few key utility players the Yanks have and haven’t had in a while. Jerry Hairston can play second, third, and all OF spots.

Those are what the Yanks have been missing. Weird thing is after the last World Series, they were labeled as too old. This Yankees team isn’t young, but could be strong for a few years. The danger comes when over a span of a few years they will lose Jeter, A-Rod, Damon (assuming he’s resigned, otherwise they lose him after this season), and Mariano.

After this season, they could lost Matsui and Pettitte
In 3-5 years Mariano, Jeter, A-Rod, Damon, Possibly Burnett, Swisher. And Teixiera might be on the decline.

I think they could go on another run like they did from 1996-2000 (and i guess also 2001 and 2003 when they lost)
But after 2013 or 2014, they will be in trouble and will be old, or going over a total makeover like they had to do after their past run.

by JMP on Sep 2, 2009 1:03 PM EDT reply actions

kind of got off topic

by JMP on Sep 2, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

haha ur thinking WAYYYYYYYYYY too far ahead if ur worried about losing arod (or anyone we signed this past offseason haha)

by bforce3 on Sep 2, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

and beggining to think TEX

Would decline…. Not in this Yankee Stadium. And not at his age

by Gangsta Yanksta on Sep 2, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I can't believe

y’all are questioning the effort and clubhouse presence of Senor Hustle! ( Sarcasm, one of the many services offered at no additional cost to you)

"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel

by tnredneckyankeesfan on Sep 2, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

He’s outplayed any expectations I had for him. And i love that the majority of his HRs have come on the road. He’s like “short porch? I don’t need no stinkin short porch.”

by Nine Inch Nails on Sep 2, 2009 1:09 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Mohawk

its grown out. He needs to bring it back

by Nine Inch Nails on Sep 2, 2009 1:11 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Don't forget Swisher's 0.00 ERA

by 3460kuri on Sep 2, 2009 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

ha!

and as JMP pointed out, he can play a solid 1B too.

by Travis G on Sep 2, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

And

I wonder how different things would’ve been with Nady probably being the starting right fielder? You don’t like anybody to go out for a season, but Hmmmmmm…..Looks like it worked out well for NIck huh?

-I'm the straw that stirs the drink.........Then I drink the drink too.

by ReggieARodJeter on Sep 2, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

nick the swish

swish has done a hell of a job .way better def. than bobby A.NOT BAD FOR FILLING IN FOR INJURED X MAN.

BIG YANKEE FAN,FROM MASS. HAVE TO PUT UP WIYH ALL THESE HOLE SOX FANS

by JEETS on Sep 2, 2009 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

One of the best deals of last offseason

I was amazed that the Yanks got Swish for what they did. He’s easily one of the best trades from last year.

by brogshan on Sep 2, 2009 1:30 PM EDT reply actions

Swisher’s high on Red Bull 90% of the time.

by SportsSandwich on Sep 2, 2009 1:42 PM EDT reply actions

I enjoy watching him play

Lazy Bobby always made me mad because of his almost bored attitude. At least Nick hustles, even if he has made a few blunders. And he’s a much better club house guy. I’ll take the hustle and grit over the flasher stats. It’s guys like that that helped the Yankees win in the mid to late 90’s. They went downhill when they started signing all the big name, here for the money guys.

by cally on Sep 2, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions

yeah well

Dont forget Swishers personality in the clubhouse! Instead of a veteran on his way out how about a lively player who busts his ass every inning

by Fluke on Sep 2, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

And just think

there were those here that called for Nady over Swisher. Sometimes even injuries can be lucky.

by Buzzy on Sep 2, 2009 2:41 PM EDT reply actions

I was one of them

I mean you really can’t give Nady anything other than an incomplete, we’ll never really know what he would have done.

I am glad that the talk of trading Swish didn’t happen.

All in all Im glad Swish is the RF for the Yankees, even with his boneheadedness showing up more than a few times (but going down lately….maybe he’s due?)

GODZZIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 2, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I also like Swisher.....

if for no other reason than his attitude. He does have several thumbs on occasion but his total hustle and attitude are big sellers…..

Rick
Goooooooooooo MSU BOBCATs
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

by ramyankee on Sep 2, 2009 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

I think

Swisher lights up the clubhouse, he’s a cocky guy, but I’m okay with that. like someone that knows how to have fun. And he definitely has done better than Bobby A. I think it’s obvious we made the right choice in signing him.

Don't let your fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

by Lizza on Sep 2, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Swish has been a great replacement in the outfield for Abreu with the bat to match. I’d keep a switch hitter with some power, a good glove, and clubhouse charisma in Swisher over Abreu anyday.

Favorite Blogs:

www.spongereport.com
www.yardbarker.com
www.milehighreport.com
www.bleacherreport.com

by brohamm1978 on Sep 2, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions

You are too hard on Abreu.. Abreu is a very good player who has made the Angels a much better offensive team. He has taught that team patience and the value of strike zone judgement. I am glad that it looks like Boston will be playing Anaheim though I don’t think any American league playoff team is to be underestimated.

Having said this I still believe that Cashman was right to let him go and Swisher was a excellent pickup with many of Abreu’s virtues without his defensive liability.

by Jtmc on Sep 2, 2009 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

Abreu fits better w/the Angels

Than he did w/the Yankees. The reason why Abreu’s value is so high is b/c Scoscia runs him a lot, which is something I don’t think Girardi would do. Bobby was never a bad player & his #s could have been very VERY different in Yankee Stadium than with the Angels. He’s only got 9 or 10 HRs, but nearly 30 SBs. I think it would be more like 22/23 HRs with only about 10 SBs for the Yanks had he come back to play again. Those are 2 very different players.

by BriGuy27 on Sep 2, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Mohawks are lame

“ooooo look at me im such a rebel”
but regardless the fact that Swisher has been more valuable then what some are calling a MVP candidate is wonderful

by Brian5517209 on Sep 2, 2009 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

Personally, I would like Cashman to have retained Abreu. The latter’s OBP is about thirty points higher than Swish, and is on pace to strikeout about thirty times less than Nick. Not to mention the .298 AVG to a .248 AVG.

by SportsSandwich on Sep 2, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

You read too many stats…… Its doesn’t mean Abreu would be doing the same he is doing now with the Yankees.

by Gangsta Yanksta on Sep 2, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

His slugging percentage would likely be better with the right field short porch.

by SportsSandwich on Sep 2, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

but even going by OPS+

which adjusts for league and homepark, Swisher has the edge, 123-113. and we aren’t even talking about the age difference. Abreu is 35. Swisher is 28.

by Travis G on Sep 2, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Meh, I just prefer having higher AVG players, medium slugging, I guess. It’s probably unreasonable and illogical, but I always associate low AVG sluggers with defensive tackles chasing nimble quarterbacks. If the DT catches you, you’ll end up with a several broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a case of post-traumatic stress disorder. Chances are, though, the DT will trip over his own feet.

Though I should not I’m not complaining about Swisher. He has a funny swing and has given the Yankees superb value considering what they got him for.

by SportsSandwich on Sep 2, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I must not be paying attention

Without the “stats” mentioned, I would have guessed Swish to be worse than average in the field just based on having watched him. Shows you what I know. All that said, I hated Abreu in the field and much prefer Swish. At least he tries!

by Rusty23 on Sep 2, 2009 4:22 PM EDT reply actions

Plus Swisher doesn't have

Abreau bizarre fear of outfield walls. This is a pretty funny rendition of the fear:

http://www.nyystadiuminsider.com/uploaded_images/abreuwalls.jpg

by coops2001 on Sep 2, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions

He has his share of errors…. but he makes up with it with tough plays most outfielders don’t make.

Damon and TEX kill the ball at home… And Swish does the same on the road. Were gonna need that kind of boost in the post season

by Gangsta Yanksta on Sep 2, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

It's just that one time in Boston when he totally butchered a fly ball.

by mrljdavid on Sep 2, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

why is it harder for us to catch fly balls in Boston

by Brian5517209 on Sep 2, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Have you seen the South Park episode

where the sky becomes obscured by a cloud of “smug” because of everyone acting so pretentious?

I think it’s something along those lines.

Facial LaFleur, total facial.

by Lord Duggan on Sep 2, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe with the long fly balls

In LF, maybe players are overplaying the Monster
And in RF, that wall looks incredibly short, with the fans and bullpen right on top of you in that Perky or Pesky pole or whatever the heck they call it.

-I'm the straw that stirs the drink.........Then I drink the drink too.

by ReggieARodJeter on Sep 2, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions

Remember when Sheffield was about to kick that BooSox fan's ass? That was funny.

-I'm the straw that stirs the drink.........Then I drink the drink too.

by ReggieARodJeter on Sep 2, 2009 5:45 PM EDT reply actions

I KNOW, this may not be the place.....

but did anyone hear the rumor about schilling looking for employment? He is exploring RUNNING for ted kennedy’s Senate seat.

Rick
Goooooooooooo MSU BOBCATs
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

by ramyankee on Sep 2, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

#33

Swish has been about my favorite player this year on a team laden with talent who can hit better and field better…because, more than any Yankee I recall in quite a while, he obviously has FUN when he plays. That kind of value simply isn’t reflected in numbers…but then, thank the Lord he was here when A-Rod was out in the spring!

by PPZJD1969 on Sep 2, 2009 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

While we are on the subject of Swish

I don’t know if this will sway anyone one way or the other because of Swisher’s propensity to be a clown, but Swish did say that Joe Girardi was the best manager that he had ever played for.

I think Swish is the kind of guy that loves being a Yankee, and I think that the Yankees love to have him.

For too many years “The Yankee Way” was about not having facial hair, being stiff, and taking no joy in playing. The real Yankee way is about winning. I think Swish has brought some much needed looseness to this club along with his production.

I’m glad that he came over and I hope he stays, and if that means that there are a few adventures in the outfield, I can live with that (and just hope they don’t happen in October).

Facial LaFleur, total facial.

by Lord Duggan on Sep 2, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions

His OBP makes up for his average

Of course you’d love to see fewer SOs, particularly because you have this nagging feeling that he’s a better hitter than say an Adam Dunn-type. But his OB/BA differential is close to 150, which is extraordinary. Under normal circs, his OBP trails a player hitting in the .280-.300 range.

by Colpo on Sep 3, 2009 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

16M

Abreu wanted his contract renewed at the 16M he made in ‘08. He and his agent didn’t realize how soft the market had gotten with the economy in free fall last year. He took a 67% pay cut to play with the Angels. Nobody does that for the Yankees. Swihser’s a grinder, Abreu isn’t.

by fredny on Sep 3, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions