Just as they prepared to splurge on some potentially big buys during the free agency period, the Yankees made a trade that showed they're going to try to put an old formula to work along with their checkbook.
The Yankees' acquisition of Nick Swisher from the White Sox sent a message that they're interested in recruiting the type of players they had in their dynasty years -- rather than simply chasing the biggest names. "He's a very competitive player, he's a grinder," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in a conference call. "He plays at one level at all times."
Those are the type of traits more reminiscent of the late 1990s Yankees than their superstar-laden successors of the past few years.
Swisher's versatility makes him an option at all three outfield positions as well as at first base, but he would most likely fill the opening as the everyday first baseman, Cashman said. If that's the case, the Yankees would pass on taking a shot at slugger Mark Teixeira at first, opting instead for a solid defensive player with some key intangibles.
"He's a patient switch hitter, adds versatility at a number of defensive positions, including first base and the outfield and will be a positive presence inside the clubhouse," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said in a statement.
Swisher is also a 27-year-old in the midst of a three-year deal. Last season, he hit .219 with 24 homers, 69 RBIs and 86 runs, but the Yankees were obviously looking beyond pure numbers.
Which isn't to say they weren't ready to put plenty of them at the end of a contract for potential free agents -- most notably the prize of the market, Brewers ace CC Sabathia.
"We're going to do what we do every year, and that's try to field a championship team," co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner told reporters. "If that means spending money, it obviously means spending money."
