Back up and running!

Hey everyone, so as you may know i've taken a few months off, along with Ace... and it's about time we get this blog up and running again. Just thought i would mention that Ace won't be returning to the blog, this is now a one man show.
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Just because i've been out of blogging for the last few months, doesn't mean i didn't watch the games, or hear about them... somehow. I've watched almost every game, and i know that this team is more ready for the postseason than they have been in years.

Now you may be a little worried with CC's last start at Tampa Bay, which i don't blame you, but you may as well get his bad start over with before the postseason. Honestly, i feel better knowing he's bombed a start before the playoffs going in than knowing he hasn't. The last thing anyone wants is to throw CC out there for game one against the Tigers or Twins and have him blow up... figuratively and literally. I mean, the guys been absolutely unhittable for almost two months, it was bound to happen. But i'm expecting alot of fist pumping from CC this postseason, and definitely looking forward to it.

A.J. Burnett is a different story, you don't want to throw him out there after a string of bad starts, he's too streaky. Though he may snap out of it--it was very important they had him feeling good and on a decent roll before sending him in for game 2.

Regarding the offensive concerns, of course A-Rod will be on the top of that list, but i think it's about time he snaps out of it. Having Teix hit in front of him, i think help takes off a load of pressure to have him produce. I know all of you remember the last few postseasons with him, he was pressing and trying too hard. Now, i'm not saying he won't be pressing this time, but having Teix there in front of him, must take off a load of the pressure.

Look for Nick Swisher to have a huge ALDS, i can feel he's ready for it. He's just one of those guys you know can come through for you in these types of games...

Naturally having success in the playoffs relies on dominant starting pitching... if the Yankees get decent starting pitching, these teams are in trouble.

Nick Swisher prediction

Every year there are a ton players who don't perform up to their hype, sometimes this is for physical reasons other times mental issues due to problems on and off the field. Here is my Prediction for Nick Swisher, the definition of a player who did not perform up to his potential this past year.

Last year he saw roughly a 50 point drop in his batting average and over a 30 point drop in his ops+ although he did have 2 more homeruns the previous year. I believe this drop can be attributed to a lack of as consistent playing time (he did still have about 500 AB's but that is still 40 less than normal), a misuse of his skills Nick Swisher is not a leadoff hitter, and a bad change of scenery, with Ozzie Guillen at one point coming out to the media and saying how he was disappointed in how Nick had playing.

If he gets a fulltime job in the outfield, which assumes Nady is traded, he will, in my opinion put up the best numbers of his career. I predict a line of 260/390/520 with almost 40 homeruns next season. Now I know you might think I am crazy, but keep in mind a few things just 3 years ago in 2006 he hit 35 homeruns for Oakland. I can tell you it is a hell of a lot easier to hit a homerun in Yankee Stadium than it is in Oakland. Also keep in mind that Oakland's offense was pretty mediocre back then short of Frank Thomas and Nick himself, he will definitely have more opportunities as a Yankee.

Regardless of how Nick Swisher performs the 2009 season looks bright with the Yankees having one of their best rotations and lineups in a very long time.

Nick Swisher traded to the Yanks

Ken Rosenthal reports the Yankees traded for Nick Swisher and pitcher Kanekoa Texeira. Jeff Marquez is reportedly involved in the deal, other players such as Wilson Betemit are said to possibly be included.

Not a bad deal for the Yankees here, put Nick at 1B so you don't have to spend the big bucks on getting Mark Texiera, and i looked up Kanekoa Texeira's minor league stats, in 61 IP he had a 1.33 ERA for Chicago.

Here's a video with Toby Hall and Nick Swisher, the guy is pretty funny.