Swisher to White Sox for 3 Minor Leaguers

Nick Swisher was traded from my beloved A's to the Chisox today for three minor leaguers. The Athletics get blue-chip southpaw pitcher Gio Gonzalez, outfielder Ryan Sweeney, and righty pitcher Fautino De Los Santos. While the A's have really loaded up on young talent, next year looks like they could challenge for the worst record in the majors.

In Roto-land, the trade helps out Swisher owners (me included), as he will be going from a pitcher-friendly park to a hitter-friendly stadium. That could boost his production by 20%. After a down year in 2007, he could climb back up to the 30 HR, 100 RBI level. He is supposedly going to play Center Field, which I don't think will help him stay healthy.

Keep in mind that the A's will probably be looking at a lot of different players at the major league level next year, as they evaluate their young studs. You may not want to go to high on Sweeney, for instance, as he could end up back at AAA if he doesn't produce right away. Gio Gonzalez is a major coup for Billy Beane. Any time you can get a very promising lefty starter, I think you have to do it.