Sayonara Swisher? Not Likely

     Does it pay for the New York Yankees to entertain offers for right fielder Nick Swisher? Of course it makes sense to listen;however, going through with a trade could be a big mistake. 
     In October, the Yankees decided to pick up the $10.25 million option on "Swishalicious." The 30 year old batted a respectable .260 with an on base plus sluggage percentage of .822 this past season. As all Yankee fans know, he did struggle during the post season, and that's where concerns come into play. New York has always been the team competing for the World Series year after year. In fact, that is what the team is built for. So how could the subtraction of Swisher deem NY closer to that goal? It can't. 

     According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cleveland Indians have expressed strong interest in acquiring Swisher from the Yankees, especially after striking out in the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes. It's great that the Indians have interest, but there is only one problem: what could they possibly offer to entice the Yankees and get them closer to their 28th title? A trade involving starting pitcher Justin Masterson is highly unlikely. Fausto Carmona could be on the chopping block but do the Yankees really need a starting pitcher that has more bark than bite. That's right NY has A.J. Burnett filling that role already. I just don't see the Yankees swinging on the 3-0 count here. 
     It was very nice of Cleveland to make the call to Yankee GM Brian Cashman, but in this case a text would've been just fine because Swisher will not be joining the Indians.