I'm still undecided on this whole apocalyptic World Series match up. That aside, I'm slowly coming around on at least one Yankee -- his name is Nick Swisher. Sure, at one time I kinda likened him to the overrated Eric Byrnes-type who nobody could seem to shut up about. Constantly using words like "infectious" and "enthusiasm" and "unbridled." Ya know, fun terms like "freewheeling," "laid back" and "gritty." I could get how all that could make one nauseous. Still, I like Eric Byrnes, and the same goes for Swisher. Despite the same old tired story. And that was before I did additional research and learned that he's dating the lady to the left.Swisher seems to have what many of the Yankees seem to lack (personality, fire, enthusiasm) and none of those personality traits that make you hate a bunch of the lot (arrogance, diva-ishness, etc.). Don't you like my scientific breakdown of why the Yanks are so hate-able, by the way? Whatever, let's not get into that whole bag again. This is about Swisher.
Rick Reilly (speaking of arrogant folks we're not-too-fond-of) recently penned one of his shorter "Go Fish" columns on ESPN.com with the spotlight on Swisher. Other than his "Swisher could make a colonoscopy fun" line, it was light and fun and seemed to fall in line with all Swisher is about. He seems an approachable kind of guy who you might want to have a beer with -- and one who might actually indulge you as opposed to brushing you off like they're Johnny Big Time. I also love the inclination to go with the "Jake Plummer Grizzly Adams" if the Yanks ever lift that whole no facial hair thing.
Sure, others pay attention to his actual on-the-field production and even question whether his lack thereof in the postseason could be the fatal flaw in the Yanks quest for championship number twenty-seven. I like that he's running around at 100 MPH. Even if half the time it's in the wrong direction and the other half he should probably be cranking it down to 75. It's way better than so many of today's players who seem to be going through the motions at the speed limit looking apathetic at best.
Call it cliche, but Swisher also looks to be having fun. And, while we're making total leaps based entirely on perception, appears to appreciate his opportunity (you know, to play baseball for a living which is certainly not par for the course - on the Yanks or elsewhere). So, if the Yankees do have to win this World Series eventually, we wouldn't mind seeing Swish be one of the big reasons why. If it's Nick as hero versus A-Roid, you can bet which lever we'd choose. Um, did we mention Swish's girlfriend Joanna also owns Kate Hudson. Just sayin...
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