White Sox deal Swisher to Yankees

CHICAGO, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox dealt outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher Thursday to the New York Yankees for three players, including infielder Wilson Betemit.

The move by the Yankees is seen as insurance in case they don't sign highly coveted free agent Mark Teixeira to play first base next season.

In his only season with the White Sox, mostly as an outfielder, Swisher batted just .219, but slugged 24 home runs, 21 doubles and knocked in 69 runs in 153 games.

"We're excited with the addition of Nick Swisher," said Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. "We feel he has a ton of upside. He's a patient switch-hitter, adds versatility at a number of defensive positions, and will be a positive presence inside the clubhouse."

In his five-year career with Oakland and the White Sox, Swisher, 27, is a .244 hitter with 104 homers and 324 RBI in 611 contests. Betemit batted .265 with six homers and 25 RBI in 87 games in 2008.