Swisher Sour: A’s Erosion Continues

On Thursday, the Oakland Athletics traded Nick Swisher to the Chicago White Sox. As reciprocation, the Athletics received minor league outfielder Ryan Sweeney and pitchers Faustino De Los Santos and Gio Gonzalez. According to Athletics General Manager Billy Beane, this transaction was necessary. “Our status quo as we stood going into the season was mediocrity at best,” Beane said. “That's my opinion. If anything we're taking a step back with the idea we have a chance to build something very good for a long time. ... The cost of indecision for us probably would be a bigger mistake.”

During his career, Swisher has batted .251 with 80 home runs and 255 runs batted in. In 2007, he swatted .262 with 22 home runs and 78 runs batted in. “Everything that I've heard about Nick from a variety of sources, whether it be on the field or off the field, is that this guy fits in and fits in perfectly with what we are trying to do,” said White Sox General Manager Ken Williams said.

As previously stated, this is Oakland’s modus operandi. They discard superstars. They acquire prospects. They rebuild. Unfortunately, this situation is different. Rebuilding is acceptable. Implosion is not.