NEW YORK (AP)—Nick Swisher is ready to take some Ruthian swats—only not at
trees.

He used to level wood, not just swing it, as part of his workout regimen.
Not anymore.

“It’s more to baseball-specific activities,” he said Tuesday. “I mean, I
still like going out there. Hey, if somebody needs some trees chopped down or
some work around the house, then I’ll grab me and my buddies and we’ll go get it
done.”

Acquired last week by the New York Yankees in a trade, Swisher figures to
take over from Jason Giambi at first base next year. He wants to put away a
miserable 2008 season during which he hit .219 for the Chicago White Sox with 24
homers and 69 RBIs.

“I really couldn’t put my finger on it. Yeah, there’s some things that
happened. But, hey man, all that stuff’s behind me,” he said during a
conference call. “I was very humbled by that year. And hey, I’ve just got to
keep things going, man, just got to keep pushing along. Just a little roadblock
in the path of what you want to do. So, hey man, last year’s over with. It’s
completely already left my mind.”

In his only season with the White Sox, who obtained him from Oakland, the
switch-hitter bounced around the batting order as if he were a bingo ball. He
batted in every slot but cleanup, starting the season as a leadoff hitter and
ending it largely as a sub.

“This is a different year. This is ‘09, not ‘08,” he said. “I know in my
mind that I’ve not only grown as a man, but as a player in general. I think in
most situations, I think you only grow when you go through the tough times and I
definitely went through some tough times.”

He was the Yankees’ first major offseason move. Alex Rodriguez welcomed
Swisher to the team, and hitting coach Kevin Long sent a text message.

Now, New York has turned its attention to free-agent pitchers, making CC
Sabathia an offer exceeding Johan Santana’s $137.5 million, six-year deal with
the Mets. Swisher is friends with the big lefty.

“Everyone would be super ecstatic if we could pull him out of Milwaukee and
get him,” Swisher said.

He also wouldn’t mind being teammates with A.J. Burnett, another pitcher the
Yankees are interested in.

“I can characterize his stuff as electric. He’s one of those guys where it
just feels like every time you step in the box, it’s an uncomfortable at-bat.
The guy can run the ball up to 98, 99 mph, has a great curveball. commands the
plate well, both sides,” Swisher said. “It would be a huge pickup if we could
get him.”

Swisher recognizes that if the Yankees get another first baseman, he could
wind up in the outfield. He considers himself a four-position player but thinks
he’s best defensively at first.

“To tell you the truth, I really haven’t had one position my whole career.
I’ve been bouncing around a lot, but I think that’s a good thing to have
versatility,” he said.

He’s known for being a free spirit and said he’s proud to be known to “play
the game with passion and at 150 percent.” He’s prepared to handle the
win-every-game mentality of the Yankees, their fans and the New York media.

“That’s just one of the things that comes with the territory,” he said.
“I’ve just got to be strong, and I’m ready to do that.”