Nick Swisher, Please Keep Producing

 

Nick Swisher’s value hit rock bottom in 2015. He has two years left on a lucrative contract, and has had two injury marred seasons in which his production has diminished. Swisher simply was not the same player with Cleveland that he has been throughout his career. He has had 9 straight seasons of 20 or more home runs earlier in his career and is a former All-Star. In his prime, Swisher would have been a perfect fit for Kevin Seitzer’s hitting approach. He’s a switch hitter who can hit to all sides of the field. Swisher has made it clear that he’s happy to be out of Cleveland. Though he got off to a slow start with Atlanta, his enthusiasm and professionalism are infectious traits that fans have been quick to notice. Perhaps Swisher has his swagger back, because he is red hot right now for Atlanta.

In 33 at bats for the Braves, he has hit .273 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI. On Saturday, Swisher hit a home run from both sides of the plate. He followed his performance with a 3 hit day on Sunday. Like Cameron Maybin, he could be a guy who can really benefit from a change in scenery. Maybin had a bit of an adjustment stage as well, but once he got comfortable he started putting up career numbers. Swisher has proven himself in this league and has been down this road before. He had a poor hitting season in 2008 with the White Sox in which his batting average dipped down to .219. However, he showed up in the Bronx in 2009 and made a real name for himself as a Yankee. The Braves will control Swisher through next season, so fans need to hope they see a lot of the Swisher Chop. Michael Bourn has really struggled since being packaged with Swisher in the deal that sent Chris Johnson to Cleveland, but Nick is picking up the slack. If the two of them can offer any type of production, this move is a win for Atlanta. The two will battle it out for the starting left field spot here down the final stretch of 2015, and the incumbent will likely resume that role Opening Day 2016 barring a big signing.

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