Nick Swisher was traded to the New York Yankees in the Winter of 2008, and I welcomed the trade with mixed emotions.

That trade was made before the Yankees declined to offer Bobby Abreu arbitration and the Yankees had too many corner 1B/OF/DH types. Also, his 2008 season was nothing to scream about with a .219 BA (109-for-497) with 86 runs, 21 doubles, 24 home runs but only 69 RBI in 153 games with the White Sox. His low batting average contributed to an extremely low .332 OBP. His OPS+ was a below average 92.

In addition, Swisher was at his worst against the Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays - the Yankees three main AL East foes - batting a combined .110 (9 for 82) with only ONE home run and TWO RBI’s. Swisher also hit only .186 with two outs and runners in scoring position. Those are pitiful numbers - even worse than A-Rod’s.

Swisher has gotten off to a great start in 2009, hitting successfully in every game he played this season until today's win. He is now at .371 with four HR's and 11 RBI's. He has walked his customary million times so far and even pitched a scoreless frame against the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in the week!

His demeanor is pure New York - gregarious, outspoken and fun loving. That comment he made last week that playing major league baseball is similar to wiffle ball as a kid, endeared Swisher to the many legions of Yankees fans across the country.

Swisher's antics of playing loud rap and rock music in the clubhouse, saying funny things and generally being happy go lucky has escaped the cross hairs of Jorge Posada who appears has taken over the "locker room leader" role so many people wanted Derek Jeter to have.

But, what if Swisher did not get off to such a hot start and the Yankees were 3-8 instead of 6-5? Would his antics and attitude be perceived as too nonchalant for Yankee fans? Would Posada be saying that "this is not Yankee baseball. We need to concentrate more on the game and less on other things?"

Swisher is coming down to earth and, after going 0-3 today is only 2 for his last 11. He might bring too much pressure on himself since being put into the clean up spot, not his usual place.

It worked out well for the Yankees in the Swisher deal as what they gave up wasn't much, but it could have been different. Now that Nady might be out for the season, Swisher's positional versatility and ability to work the count when batting are two factors the Yankees sorely needed.

Lets hope Posada keeps things in check.