Xavier Nady will be in a Yankees uniform Saturday after being traded late Friday by Pittsburgh.
Word was he was headed back to the Mets, where he played in 2006.
I don't see this as a good fit or long term arrangement for the one-time Salinas High slugger.
The outfielder was acquired because of the uncertainly over high-priced ailing outfielders Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui.
Both could be back in August, cutting into Nady's playing time. The 28-year-old is having a career year, as he was among the National League leaders in hitting at .330. He was on pace to hit 25 home runs and drive in over 100 runs.
I suppose Nady could also play some first base or even DH. And if he keeps hitting, the Yankees will have to find a way to get him AB's. This also almost assures that the Yankees won't pursue Barry Bonds.
Who would have thought Nady would keep Bonds jobless?
At the very least, Nady will at least be in a pennant chase, which should help soften the blow of joining his fourth team in five years.
Nady has been in a pennant chase before when he was with the Padres. But there will almost certainly be an adjustment in moving to the American League for the first time.
Of course, the last player from Monterey County to sport the pinstripes won a World Series ring in Mike Aldrete.
You have to think, though, at some point Nady would like to spend more than a season with one team. Who doesn't want a .300 hitter that can drive in 100 runs? Yankee fans will appreciate his workman like attitude. If the Mets are disappointed, you should have never parted with Nady in the first place.
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