Nick Swisher Traded to ChiSox

It looks as though Oakland’s Nick Swisher has been traded to the White Sox.

I’ve always been a big fan of Swisher and I’m surprised that Billy Beane has really let him go (especially after reading about his love for Swisher in Moneyball). He’s a fun player to watch. Actually, when I visited Seattle for the first time in late July, I was able to catch a Mariners series (on TV) against the A’s, and I saw Swisher knock 3 home runs out within 2 games (July 26-27).

His numbers are certainly respectable (his OBP and SLG are phenomenal) to this point, yet I feel that he’s poised to have a breakout year (with an even better batting average and more home runs).

He was hampered by some injuries last season, so if he can continue to improve next year, he could be one of the better options in the OF or at 1B.

Clemens 60 Minutes Interview Approaching

Sunday is the big day for Roger Clemens, as his “story” will finally be aired on 60 Minutes (7:30 pm), allowing him to clear the air regarding his inclusion in the Mitchell Report. Rusty Hardin, Clemens’ lead attorney, has stated before that proving a negative (e.g. Roger never used steroids) is extremely difficult, so his strategy will be all about credibility, as they will tackle McNamee’s credibility, hold it to the ground, and then attempt to beat it to death.

Clemens will probably do this, somehow, during the course of his interview with Wallace. Although this is old news, Duff Wilson of the NY Times, reiterates the fact that McNamee’s legal team does plan to sue Clemens if he explicitly refers to him as a liar of some sort (in regards to his Mitchell Report “testimony”). This would then allow them to challenge Clemens while he is under oath.

Nothing really new to report here. However, this information seems to be particularly important.

Earl Ward, McNamee’s lead lawyer, has said that McNamee had no documentation, like canceled checks or e-mail messages, implicating Clemens.

Okay, I wasn’t sure if McNamee was holding onto something (the smoking gun) in order to further prove himself down the line. Apparently not. So, how can he even feel confident about possibly going to trial against Clemens (for defamation, etc.)?

Basically, he’s either bluffing about suing Roger in order to keep the interview off the air or, if not off the air, at least altering it (due to issues in his past which would effect any credibility he has left). Maybe Clemens has some real dirt on the guy.

Or, maybe he’s just baiting Clemens to feel comfortable with his chances in this whole thing. Then, if he takes Clemens to court, he can pull out an envelope or a packaging slip that connects Clemens directly to steroid use. How bad would that be?

Why else would he outwardly admit that he has no hard evidence and still act as if he’s truly confident about proving his allegations? This probably should have been discussed by the creators of the Mitchell Report.

Thursday Morning Bits: Santana Watch Continues, Plus Clemens and Leyritz News

Okay, so there’s actually a good amount of news available today and all of it, from what I’ve seen, is provided to you by the Daily News.

Hank Steinbrenner is still infatuated with chasing Johan Santana (no matter how many times he gives the Twins a deadline). Here’s a bit of text from Daily News contributor, Anthony McCarron, who apparently spoke with Hank Steinbrenner via phone yesterday.

“I think the Twins realize our offer is the best one,” Steinbrenner said Wednesday in a telephone interview. “I feel confident they’re not going to trade him before checking with us one last time and I think they think we’ve already made the best offer.”

Steinbrenner said the offer “does not include two of the three young pitchers” – Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, from a group that also includes untouchable Joba Chamberlain – “but it’s still the best one. And let’s face it, we’re the best able to handle the kind of contract (extension) Santana will be after.”

The package being offered to the Twins is believed to consist of Hughes, Melky and Marquez (and maybe a fourth prospect). This is the same package that was offered to the Twins during the GM Meetings a few weeks back.

Hank also went on to say that any deal would need to get done within the next two weeks, but given that his credibility with deadlines is pretty much nonexistent, I doubt the Twins or anyone else actually believes him (although it is crunch time). Despite demonstrating his desire for Santana, son-of-Stein again reiterated that he’d be fine going into the season with what he currently has.

McCarron also spoke to Hank Steinbrenner about Roger Clemens and a possible reunion with the Yankees next year. Thankfully, Steinbrenner quickly nixed that concept completely (which is a good thing). He obviously didn’t touch on the steroid issue, stating that he and Clemens aren’t friends who would speak on such matters. However, he did state that a big part of Roger not coming back had to do with his age (surprise?).

Last but not least, in this Thursday’s Morning Bits, is some news on the fallen clutch hero, Jim Leyritz. The Daily News has seen legal documents that provide some insight into Leyritz’s lifestyle. Apparently, he had spent almost all of his money on alcohol and extravagant expenditures (e.g. nice hotels, clubs, etc.). He watched the $10 million he earned dwindle down to around $600,000.

This isn’t surprising, but it is sad that his life has come to this. We all know that the victim’s family is experiencing something that is unimaginable right now, but I’m also sure that Leyritz is going through a tough time too, as he had no intention of doing what he did. In the end, it doesn’t matter though. He’ll definitely have to pay the consequences for his actions, especially as new details regarding the tragedy come to light (e.g. suspended license, etc.).