Who is gonna go
With the signing of Tex to play first base in 2009 the consensus on blogs and sports radio is that one of Nady, Matsui, Damon or Swisher will be traded.
Nady is arbitration eligible and will probably make about 6 million in 2009 so he has some value. The issue is the Yankees gave up a good set of prospects to get him. Plus he is a pretty good right handed bat.
Swisher is not even 30, has a good contract for the next 3 years and can play first, right or left. He also has some value but again, the Yanks gave up some good prospects to get him and he has not even played a game in pinstripes.
Damon is the Yankees leadoff guy and can play left and center in an emergency. He also has a no trade clause which makes it tough to move him. Damon will be a free agent after 2009 and will cost 13 million.
Matsui probably has the least value to the Yankees but also the least value to other teams. He has shown a lot of wear and tear two out of the last three years. He also has a no trade clause and will be a free agent after 2009 and is due 13 million.
The plan before Tex was signed was to have Swisher at first, Nady in right, Damon in left and Matsui DH. Then have Gardner or Melky battle it out for center. With that in mind I wonder if the Yankees keep all 4? Depth is a great thing in the majors. If Swisher is willing to play a little first, a little left, a little right and a little DH he should be able to start 5 games a week. Damon is not a youngster, nor is Matsui. They will need breathers during the week. I think a rotation Tex (mostly at first), Damon, Matsui, Nady and Swisher is not a bad thing. And if Gardner and Melky totally stink you suck it up and put Damon in center full time, Nady in right full time and Swisher in left full time. Not the ideal outfield defense lineup but then it allows Tex to play first and Matsui DH full time.
This makes me think unless the Yankees get blown away with a trade proposal, they may keep all four guys.
