Yankees fans are breathing a lot easier after C.C. Sabathia's second start. The lefty went 7.2 strong innings, allowing no runs, six hits, no walks and six strikeouts against the Kanssas City Royals yesterday afternoon.
Sabathia was supported by Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher, who knocked in three runs apiece in the Yankees' 6-1 victory. Swisher connected on his second home run of the season, and added a triple. Swisher is stealing the show among the Yankees' new acquisitions so far, and is making a serious case to be a regular starter.
Through 13 at-bats, Swisher has seven hits, including six for extra bases, and nine RBI. His slugging percentage is a robust 1.385 thus far. He has also drawn three walks, pushing his on-base percentage to .625. If the Nick Swisher of old has come to play for the Yankees, Xavier Nady could find himself in a new uniform before long. His contract expires following the season, and the Yankees apparently think that his agent, Scott Boras, is going to demand too much money for Nady's worth, which is diminished by his low on-base percentage.
As much as I have campaigned for Nady, I also recognize that Swisher had an extraordinarily unlucky season last year. His batting average on balls in play (BABIP) was .248, which was the fourth lowest in the pros. That is not characteristic for someone who hits the ball as hard as Swisher does, and at his best levels, he is a far superior offensive player to Nady. If Swisher continues to play like his old self, it might be time to check the phones and see what the Yankees can get for a season of Nady.
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