Yankees start to rebuild

The Yankees acquired slugging switch hitting first sacker Nick Swisher in exchange for Wilson Betemit and a couple minor league pitchers.

Swisher turns 28 in a few days, so he should just be coming into his prime. While the Yankees have always been known for great centerfielders, first base in Yankee Stadium has been home to such great stars as Gehrig, Mattingly, and Giambi.

Swisher has shown good power, belting over 20 homers, and driving in 80 runs. He also walks 90 times or so. While his average hovers around .240, his OBP is .350 or better. So, he appears to have a decent eye, which makes his 130+ strikeouts interesting. I'm predicting that by working with Yankee coaches, along with the protection of the potent Yankee lineup, he could become more selective. It would not surprise me in the least to see him bump the average up while adding to his HR numbers.
I'm predicting right now that he will put up these numbers:
.280 avg, 30 HR, 95 RBI while dropping his strikeouts total to under 100. Better numbers than these wouldn't surprise me at all.
It is expected that Cashman will pursue some of the free agents who become available today. Early indications are that he will try to sign CC, and Lowe. No word yet on whther Moose or Pettitte will return. But the trade for Swisher pretty much ends the idea of a Texiera signing.

And, in football news--J*E*T*S Jets Jets Jets
The New York Jets, who play in Giants Stadium, in NEW JERSEY, won in OT against the Patriots to take over first place. It was a pretty decent game, as the Jets looked to run away with it in the first half, and held on in the second, eventually winning on a field goal in OT. It was significant for the Jets because it gives them a few advantages in tie breaker situations against the Pats. The Jets schedule looks pretty favorable the rest of the way, and last year's 4-12 team could wind up 12-4, although 11 wins is more probable.
And the other tem that plays in the NJ Meadowlands, the Giants have a big test this weekend as they take on the Ravens. The G-men are favored by 7. If I were a betting man, and if forced to place a bet, I'd put my money on the Ravens and the points. But straight up, I'm looking for the Giants to improve to 10-1.

Go Yankees

Jets and Giants win

The Giants won a battle against the Eagles Sunday night, while the Jets pounded St. Louis. The game was over by half time.

The free agent baseball market will be in full swing soon. Manny Ramirez is one of the stars seeking employment. It's kind of interesting that due to his attitude and the amount of money he is seeking, his options are severly limited.

I really am looking forward to the Yankees movement in the market. They need to retool, and are probably going to seek out some pitching.

Early reports are that Andy Pettitte will be back. I'm not sure about Mussina, but these are both back of the rotation pitchers now. Moose is coming off what was his best year as a Yankee, but this will be his 19th MLB season, and that is a lot of pitches. Andy, too, was always one pitch away from a career ending injury it seemed.
Not sure what is going to happen with Joba and whether Phil Hughes will return from his injury riddled season. Mo had another great year, but he is not getting any younger. Lot of question marks on a staff that had question marks last year.
CC Sabathia and Dempster are 2 big names that may be available. Giambi will be released, and that means Mark Texiera may be pursued. Posada will be back, but who knows what they will get with him. The 2009 team may take a few weeks to introduce themselves to each other.

Go Yankees