Nick Swisher and his $10.25 Million Option

by Chris McKeown on Oct 22, 2011 11:00 AM EDT in New York Yankees News

These days, it can be difficult to find a topic to write about. We've beaten starting pitching to death and the bullpen and lineup appear to be strong as is for the upcoming 2012 campaign.

So let me throw in my two cents about Nick Swisher.

Unbelievably enough, Swisher just completed his third year with the New York Yankees. Brian Cashman and co. now have a decision to make: Pick up Swisher's $10.25 million option to remain with the team in 2012, or pay him a $1 million buyout so that he'll become a free agent.

I'll be shocked and disappointed if Swisher's not back.

If you remember or not, Swisher was originally traded for as a replacement of Jason Giambi at first base after the 2008 season. Then New York made the holiday season very special for the Teixeira household, offering eight years $180 million.

Swisher, now being replaced himself, was moved permanently to right field when Xavier Nady's injury sidelined him for the vast majority of 2009. And jolly 'ole Nick has not been a letdown.

Over the course of his Yankee stint (450 games, exactly 150 regular season games each year), Swisher is averaging the following numbers: .267 BA, .368 OBP, .486 SLG, 27 homers, 85 RBI, 141 hits, 33 doubles, 85 runs scored. He's been good for the fourth highest WAR amongst RFs over the past three seasons (11.0 according to fangraphs) behind Ben Zobrist, Jose Bautista and Shin-Soo Choo.

Who would take over right field if Swisher were given the boot? It certainly wouldn't be a free agent, seeing as the 2012 list is, to put it gently, sub-par.

While I realize attitudes and "clubhouse presence" are continually bashed as being miniscule, it appears that Swisher has taken the duty of keeping a light, upbeat mood with him wherever he goes. Yes, I've never been inside the Yankee dugout or clubhouse. The only Yankee I've ever spoken to for longer than 15 seconds was CC Sabathia and it wasn't in a private environment. However, Swisher has been an absolute hit with the fans of New York and I've never read a fellow teammate of his say a negative thing about him.

Nick Swisher is a consistently above-average baseball player that fans love. In my eyes, he's exactly the player the Yankees should desire keeping around.

It only makes sense to bring him back.

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Comments

He'll be back

In 2012 he’ll be back. It’s the year after that is the big question mark.

Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!

by nyyrocks29 on Oct 22, 2011 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

This has got to be the easiest decision of their offseason

Obviously, they should bring him back. It’s unreal how I heard one Yankees fan say he wants Swisher out and Beltran in. My jaw dropped.

Even if you don’t want him, at least pick up the option and trade him. (I have no idea why any team wouldn’t want him)

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Oct 22, 2011 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

That’s probably the biggest reason he’ll be back; the Yankees have more important things to worry about. They need not another distraction and will get this over quickly…I think

"Unpleasant Internet Dude"

by david d on Oct 22, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Also just because of the value

Nick Swisher at 1 year/10.25 mil is a value when you consider what someone like Jayson Werth got on the open market just last year. Even if the Yankees decided they were done with Swisher, he’d have pretty significant value as a trade chip, so there’s absolutely no way they’d just decline the option.

The other option would be to try and negotiate a 3 year deal and tear up the option. I’d be completely in favor of this as I don’t see Swisher as a problem at all.

by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Oct 22, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

This makes a great deal of sense.

I love Swisher and his attitude. He’s been better than solid while in NY, and while his post-season struggles have been blown out of proportion (small sample size and all), Swisher at times has carried the club for stretches. I’d be absolutely SHOCKED if Swish wasn’t in right field next season. I don’t think the Yanks will do a long term deal because a guy named Matt Kemp is going to be a FA after next season.

by nj23nut on Oct 22, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

the easiest decision has already been made

to decline marte’s option. this no brainer is a close second though.

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סבלנות
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by nodisrespect on Oct 22, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

This is a baseball First World problem. I honestly can’t believe there has been so much discussion about this.

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by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 22, 2011 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Can't see any reason to not retain Swish

Beltran is a waste, he’s on his way to being a DH and I’d rather not have another player who needs to DH a lot (I’d rather have zero…).

Also next year the OF options look a bit better so its much wiser to keep Swish for the one year option. Of course, I’d resign him to a multi-year deal, but there’s really no need for that now.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Oct 22, 2011 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

This

Resign Swish for multiple years after 2012. He’s worth more than most give him credit for.

Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!

by nyyrocks29 on Oct 22, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

With Matt Kemp on the market in his age 28 season, I’d much rather go after him than keep Swisher.

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by Frank Campagnola on Oct 22, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Thats a lot of money he's gonna want

Maybe, but if Swisher comes at a bargain and they have to pay north of 20 million or even 25 million for Kemp, I think I’d rather keep Swisher. Obviously kick the tires on Kemp and see what he wants but I’d love to keep Swisher around.

Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!

by nyyrocks29 on Oct 22, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

What’s truly baffled me was the total disregard of his accomplishments during the regular season and the emphasis on his poor postseason numbers. Not implying that you said that, but I read quite a few people say something like that.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

@csm5206

by Chris McKeown on Oct 22, 2011 12:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

And of course

he was the only one who sucked this post season.

"Unpleasant Internet Dude"

by david d on Oct 22, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

He’s the reason they lost, right?

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

@csm5206

by Chris McKeown on Oct 22, 2011 1:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

If only they had let him pitch

He would have totally redeemed himself.

by bango31 on Oct 22, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Touché, sir.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

@csm5206

by Chris McKeown on Oct 22, 2011 2:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Need to resign Swish now

Nick Swisher is easily one of the most if not the most popular Yankee these past 2 years. He is most certainly a breath of fresh air that the yankees have needed for a long time. And he produces hits, HR, RBI, OBP, and good defense in RF. It’s a no-brainer; give the man his money.

by Metalheads FC on Oct 22, 2011 12:54 PM EDT reply actions

Another option

If they want to keep Swisher around for another few years, Cashman could sign him to an extension this winter.

by Sports Fan! on Oct 22, 2011 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

This

I think cash wants to keep swish around for at least this year and maybe next then go after one of the big OFs comin up on free agency the next few years.

by Nickel06 on Oct 22, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Defintely feel that resigning Swisher is a no brainer-really like the guy.
Hustles, positive feelings guy, very good player. Would consider Yanks
signing Melky Cabrera to platoon Gardiner, Granderson, Swisher, &
Texeira. Cabrera batted .305 VS lefties last season & can play all 3 OF
positions, well.

by frankiec on Oct 22, 2011 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

Melky is not a free agent until afte 2012.

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by Frank Campagnola on Oct 22, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

SB Nation/Royals review has Cabrera as a Type B free agent this coming season.
Bleacher report.com also said this last season Melky signed a one year contract
with the Royals.

Where lies the truth?

Would realy like to see, other than via a HR, Yanks score a run in a 3 hit inning. Too
many Yanks-including both Jeter & Rodriguez had problems going from 1st to 3rd on
single to RF. Playing baseball one base at a time doesn’t work for me. Getting a
guy who can bunt, steal, hit 15 or more HRs, have a great arm, & a decent fielder under
30 years of age works for me

by frankiec on Oct 22, 2011 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions

All players are ranked by Elias. They’re just saying that if he was a free agent, he’d by a Type B.

And just because someone signed a one year deal does not make the player a free agent after the year.

Melky is still under “team control.” Players need six years of service time at the Major League level to become free agents, unless they are not tendered a contract by their club.

Melky Cabrera does not have six years of service time. So, if the Royals want him for 2012, he’ll be with them. They will have the choice of offering him “arbitration” or cutting him loose.

Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.

by Frank Campagnola on Oct 22, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

by frankiec on Oct 22, 2011 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd rather they sign someone who's actually available

also someone who’s actually good

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Oct 22, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d rather sign someone like Reed Johnson.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

@csm5206

by Chris McKeown on Oct 22, 2011 2:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Is that the Reed Johnson who is 35 yrs old , can’t run, & had a total
over the last 2 yrs, 10HRs, 4 SB, 113 SO, 10 BB, & .320 OBP?

by frankiec on Oct 22, 2011 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Grady Sizemore man.

I’m on the Grady train.

He’s going to be cheap if the Indians don’t exercise his option.

27 time Champions...Yea you're jealous.

by DCyanks21 on Oct 23, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

No thanks

Hurt too much

Romine!

by david d on Oct 23, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah, as much as I dig Grady, he is just too brittle.

Worse than Nick Johnson even!

"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire

by Chris Child's Fist on Oct 24, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Swisher

1. We should bring him back next year. There’s no better player for that money, and no one in our system who can replace him.
2. After next year it might be worth it to give Swish a new 3-5 year contract, depending on what Matt Kemp does.
3. I like Cashman’s no extensions policy and think he should stick with it in this case. Extensions are a lottery; what if Swish has a leg injury this year that makes him ineffective? If he isn’t extended, Cashman could let him go, or sign him to a 1-year deal. If he is, we’re on the hook for that money no matter what.

By not playing the extension game, the Yankees do end up overpaying a bit for FA, but it also makes them less likely to sign a crippling Ryan Howard deal (he’ll start his $25 million 2012 on the DL).

by PortlandYankee on Oct 22, 2011 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Swisher

Swisher value to Yankees is more than on the field! And on the field he has improved each year defensively, can fill in at first, DH, and of course a switch hitting Right Field! He is streaky hitting and can be frustrating when slumping but when he is hot can carry the yankees for a couple weeks! Most importantly to me is the way his fun-loving compasionate attitude reflects on the Yankkee organization! Worth the money, pay him!

by David1950 on Oct 22, 2011 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

But...what about strikeouts???

Eight warnings plus one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 22, 2011 5:15 PM EDT reply actions

The only feasible other option

is Beltran, and it’s doubtful that they would want to sign him for the number of years that he and his agent are assumedly looking for.

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by Cory Braiterman on Oct 22, 2011 5:41 PM EDT reply actions

Montero

Why isn’t he being looked at as an LF-RF option down the line? If this kid hits like they say, and we’ll find out in 2012, there’s no way he catches. Romine would be ready in 2013 & Montero could go to RF. They just need a decent guy to spell the OF, like Melky Cabrera, who will be a FA after 2012. It all fits.

by Bob E on Oct 22, 2011 5:49 PM EDT reply actions

No.

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by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 22, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

It all fits.

Except for the things you just said that make no sense, namely all of it.

Eight warnings plus one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 22, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

It all fits.

That’s what she said

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by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 22, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

A good idea, but Montero lacks the speed to play the OF.

by PortlandYankee on Oct 22, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Why anyone thinks that Montero should move positions for Francisco Cervelli + hype is completely beyond me. Why anyone thinks that Montero would hurt the team less on defense by playing in the outfield is even further beyond me.

I say we move A-Rod to right field to get Brandon Laird some reps, amirite?

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by Lord Duggan on Oct 22, 2011 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I say we move A-Rod to right field to get Brandon Laird some reps, amirite?

Laird does have a great first name!

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by Brandon C. on Oct 22, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

x

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by Lord Duggan on Oct 22, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Oct 22, 2011 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Sure, maybe "down the line" is an option.

Buuut, right now, the kid is 21. Maybe when he is approaching 30, we can rotate him towards the OF, eh?

"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire

by Chris Child's Fist on Oct 24, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

The Yanks should definitely give him an extension.

He has been productive, he’s stayed healthy (150 games each year with the Yanks) and he’s handled NY wonderfully. He’s only going to be 31 next season, so tearing up the option and giving him a 3 year, $36 million (club option for a fourth year) deal would be a solid signing.

by nj23nut on Oct 22, 2011 7:05 PM EDT reply actions