The Swisher to the Yankees trade was years in the making

In case you are living under a rock, the Yankees acquired Nick Swisher (he of Moneyball fame - and the cheap, young man's version of Jason Giambi) for Jeff Marquez, Wilson Betemit and Jhonny Nunez.

What you may not know is just how long evil genius Brian Cashman was plotting the move (pretty much since he read Moneyball in April 2004). Lets review the moving parts in this trade and break down how the Yankees received them:

Wilson Betemit
The Yankees received Wilson Betemit for Scott Proctor who they had received for Robin Ventura who they got for David Justice who they had received in exchange for Ricky Ledee [INTL signing by Yanks], Jake Westbrook, and Zach Day the latter two they had received for fat toad Hideki Irabu [INTL signing by Yanks](along with Christian Parker)

Jhonny Nunez
The Yankees received Jhonny Nunez for Alberto Gonzalez who they got for Randy Johnson (along with Luis Vizcaino, Ross Ohlendorf, and Steven Jackson) who they got for Javier Vazquez, Brad Halsey [drafted by Yanks], Dioner Navarro [INTL signing by Yanks] the former they received for Nick Johnson [drafted by Yanks], Juan Rivera [INTL signing by Yanks] and Randy Choate [drafted by Yanks]

Jeffrey Marquez
The Yankees drafted Marquez 41st overall in the 2004 MLB amateur draft.

Like I said - Brian Cashman = evil genius.



Much thanks to the indispensable MLBTR Brian Cashman trade history

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About that Marte/Gagne comparison

Earlier on today, Kaybli blessed us with a photo of Marte conjuring up the ghost of Eric Gagne past.

That wasn't just some random comparison, Marte's stats through his first 9 games with the Yankees are eerily similar to Gagne's from one year ago:

Gagne with Red Sox in 2007:

8 IP, 16 hits, 10 ER, 4 BBs, 11 Ks, 1 HR allowed 11.25 ERA
Opp BA: .410 OBP: .465 SLG: .641 OPS: 1.106

1 blown save, 2 holds

Marte with the Yankees in 2008:

7.1 IP, 9 hits, 9 ER, 5 BBs, 11 Ks, 1 HR allowed 11.05 ERA
Opp BA: .290 OBP: .389 SLG: .548 OPS: .937

0 blown saves, 4 holds, 2 losses

So, Marte isn't AS bad as Gagne was after switching teams last year, but it sure is too close for comfort...

Brian Cashman must be thankful for Xavier Nady who has been TEARING IT UP since coming over to the Yankees. Then again, its not like the Yankees could use a guy like Jeff Karstens who has put up these numbers since being traded to the Pirates. Oh wait, Sidney Ponson and Darrell Rasner are still in the rotation... Yikes

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