This is Nick Swisher’s first season with the New York Yankees. Prior to the Yankees he played for the Chicago White Sox in 2008, and the Oakland Athletics from 2004 to 2007. On November 13, 2008, Swisher was traded to the New York Yankees to play right field. 

Swisher ended the 2008 season with 21 doubles, 24 home runs, and 69 RBI in 153 games in his only season with the White Sox. It was his fourth consecutive season with 20-or-more home runs; he also led all American League switch-hitters in home runs, and finished second in RBI to Texas Rangers’ Milton Bradley.

 

Joe Girardi was named the manager of the Yankees on October 30, 2007 after he signed a 3 year contract through the 2010 season. Girardi was the Yankees’ first choice as manager and was the first to interview for the position. Girardi chose to wear number 27 on his uniform to signify that he was the 27^th manager for the team and he wanted to lead the Yankees to their 27^th world championship.

Prior to managing the Yankees, Girardi managed the Florida Marlins in 2006. In his first year as manager, he led the Marlins into a wild card contention with a 78-84 record. Even though they finished fourth in the National League, Girardi was named the 2006 National League Manager of the Year.