SAN DIEGO — Nick Swisher really, really loved playing for the Yankees.
That's where the switch-hitting outfielder/first baseman was at his best ... where he was an All-Star in 2010 ... where fans became enamored with his outgoing personality.
This season offered great hope to Swisher that he'd get a chance to return to the Yankees, the team in which he averaged 26 homers and 87 RBIs from 2009-12.
Out of a job last March after being released by the Atlanta Braves, Swisher signed a minor-league deal to play with the Yankees' Triple-A club and for the last 2 ½ months he waited and waited and waited for a call-up.