The Tribe’s busy offseason marches on, as Paul Hoynes is reporting that OF Nick Swisher will visit Progressive Field this week:
Swisher is the next big outfielder on the free-agent market following Josh Hamilton’s signing with the Angels last week. The Indians have been negotiating with him for much of the winter and he’s scheduled to visit Progressive Field on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The Indians have two starting outfielders in Michael Brantley and Drew Stubbs, acquired last week from the Reds. They need a third and Swisher could be the man, but he will not come cheaply. The Tribe made a four-year, $44 million bid to Shane Victorino at the winter meetings, but it’s going to take more to get Swisher.
Swisher, who played baseball at Ohio State, hit .272 (146-for-537) in 2012 for the Yankees with 36 doubles, 24 homers and 93 RBI. Texas, Seattle and Baltimore have also expressed interest in Swisher.
I like a lot of things about Swisher; his power, his clubhouse presence, the fact that he went to Ohio State, etc. But I’m a bit worried about his age. Swisher turned 32 in November and I can’t help but be concerned about offering a multi-year contract to a guy in his 30s. Still, Swisher hits for power and lord do the Indians need an outfielder with some pop in his bat.
[Related: Fun with Numbers: Nick Swisher and Tristan Thompson]
Ok, enough Browns talk for the day. Lets wrap this day up with some Indians news, seeing as how the Tribe gets their regular season started in just a few weeks already. I’ve made no secret of my general disgust with major league baseball and the way they continuously foster a system of complete competitive imbalance, but I’m such a sucker for spring time. The 5 foot snow piles here in Columbus are beginning to finally melt away, we’ve had our first successive days in the 50s this week, and hope springs eternal.
