...and Nick Swisher Acquired by the Sox

This is an example of thinking big, and daring to go for it. This type of move brought the White Sox their World Series title. Who else wanted Jose Contreras back when he was floundering with the Yankees? Kenny Williams bought low with A.J. Pierzynski, Orlando Hernandez, Dustin Hermanson, Bobby Jenks, Cliff Politte, Scott Podsednik, Freddy Garcia, Jermaine Dye, and Carl Everett among others to build that 2005 team. All of those players were more or less unwanted, and going into 2005, definitely underestimated. It was one of the great GM jobs of all my years of baseball watching.

Nick Swisher did not hit 35 homers a second time as he did 2006, and with the A's having seen how top-heavy the AL has become, Billy Beane is backing up the truck. This began with Dan Haren. Now, the Sox got Swisher for three prospects. In a way, that can come back to haunt you, but power-hitting outfielders have long careers. If they get hurt, they can move to DH or first base. I will be surprised if Nick Swisher is not still a force in baseball in 2012.

This year Swisher will be 27; statistical analysis shows that age 27 is, on average, when the ability and experience of a hitter are at their best point. More peak years happen for hitters at age 27 than any other year. The Sox needed this power bat from the left side. IN 2008, they will continue to try to win with homers and starting pitching. Kenny Williams added a middle-of-the-lineup threat without touching the major league roster. Very impressive.