Nick Swisher Continues To Do It All

As I typed this last night the New York Yankees were getting there collective butts handed to them 15-5 by the Tampa Rays. In what started as an ugly game for the Yankees, their most effective pitcher was Nick Swisher the backup first baseman/outfielder acquired from the White Sox in the offseason.

Nick has been on fire behind at the plate and added to that with another home run last evening. He also recorded a strikeout on the mound. Yes, that is correct, Nick Swisher pitched a scoreless eighth inning and recorded a strikeout.

I guess Nick's blazing 75 MPH fastball was too much for the Rays. He actually didn’t look all that bad out there. Obviously it was a blow out and they were just trying to save their arms for a game they could actually win. But it sure looked like Nick was having fun, he was all smiles and as always he was having a great time.

He is the first position player to pitch an inning for the Bombers since Wade Boggs pitched a scoreless frame in 1997 with a strikeout. Boggs also pitched an inning for the Rays in 1999 giving up three hits and one run.

Ichiro Suzuki is also said to be a decent pitcher for a position player. Although not yet given the opportunity to try it, out he threw in the bullpen at the WBC and was touching the low 90’s with his fastball.

Assuming that the Yankees wont be letting Derek Jeter or Jorge Posada pitch in the near future, I’m fairly certain that Brian Cashman is on the phone with Scranton to call up some bullpen help.

I vote for Brett Tomko who pitched so well during spring training, however I feel that Dave Robertson would probably be the favorite should the Yankees look to make a move.