I like Nick Swisher as a ballplayer.  He's sort of Johnny Damon Lite.  But as much as I enjoy watching the guy play, I cannot for the life of me understand why Kenny Williams would trade the top three prospects in the Sox farm system for him.

As a result of yesterday's trade, the Sox farm system lost at least one gem and maybe two baubles.  Gio Gonzalez, who Williams traded and then re-acquired once, was expected to vie for the fifth starter slot with Lance Broadway and perhaps Nick Masset.  Now, it appears that the Sox rotation in 2008 is set with three veterans, sophomore John Danks and either Broadway, Pink Floyd or Masset, even though Gonzalez is reportedly better than either of them.

While the Sox may have improved their outfield a little bit and landed someone who may be able to play center, they did it at a huge cost for what they got in return.  Swisher is a grinder in the Aaron Rowand mold.  He's a "nice" player who will make a "nice" fit.  After finishing a breath above the lowly Royals last year, the last thing the Sox need is "nice" players, they need "filthy" players and unfortunately they apparently can't afford them.

Asa for the players traded, Gonzalez is going to be solid.  Fautino De Los Santos will also be pretty solid.  The jury is out on Ryan Sweeney, but potentially, given a chance to play every day and not get jerked around, the kid has a future.  These three guys were supposed to be the cornerstone of the Sox future, now they became magic beans in Kenny Williams' endless quest to bring in players with long term deals who fit his budget. 

Let's review: The Sox have no farm system and have an average team that may finish as high as third while Detroit just traded for two all-stars; the Bears GM vows to keep Rex Grossman; the Bulls have fired their coach after starting the season far below expectations; the Blackhawks just lost one of their key players for up to a month and the Cubs may actually be competing for a title this year.

Happy New Year, Sox fans!