Good News / Bad News: Nick Swisher to the White Sox

Good News:

• Swisher heads to a much more favorable ballpark for hitters. U.S. Cellular Field was the 4th best park in the majors for homeruns and 9th for overall offense. McAfee Coliseum, meanwhile, was 25th for homeruns and 29th for runs.
• The White Sox lineup should have significantly more pop than Oakland's. Depending on where Swisher hits in the order, that should mean either more runs or more RBI. If Ozzie Guillen was smart, he'd bat Swisher second to take advantage of that nice .381 OBP. Of course, Guillen has never, ever been accused of being "smart."
• Swisher is just 27 years old and, presumably, entering his prime. He has three years' worth of experience under his belt and should be ready to take his game to the next level, or whatever other cliche you like to use.

Bad News:

• Swisher will probably be playing center field for the White Sox. This isn't necessarily bad, but he did get 44 games at first base last year and another 6 at DH. Barring injuries to Konerko or Thome, Swisher probably won't get to rest his legs at first or DH much next year. Playing center field every day could wear him down over the course of the season.
• Swisher is one crazy mofo who fit in well in a relaxed Oakland clubhouse. I don't get the impression that the Chicago clubhouse is stiff, but it could be an adjustment for Swisher. Personally, I place very little importance on things like chemistry, but I just thought I'd mention it.
• Did I mention that Ozzie Guillen is an idiot? What if Ozzie decides he doesn't like the fact that Swisher hits for a low average and doesn't steal bases, so he banishes him to the eighth spot in the order? It's possible.

Bottom Line:

The move to Chicago definitely increases Swisher's fantasy value. I would look for him to get closer to his 35 HR total of 2006 than the 22 HR of 2007. Either the runs or RBI (possibly both) should increase too. The problem is still the batting average. You're still basically drafting Adam Dunn, but with fewer homers. Hopefully he's the third outfielder you draft.