(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-04 11:17

CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox have acquired outfielder Nick Swisher from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for three minor league players, the team said on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Swisher, a fan favourite at Oakland, batted .262 with 22 homers and 78 RBIs in 150 games in 2007, his third full season in the majors.

"Nick is a quality switch hitter who consistently gets on base, hits for power and drives in runs," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said in a statement.

"He gives Ozzie Guillen offensive flexibility with his ability to hit in a number of spots up and down the batting order and his athleticism allows him to play any outfield position or first base.

"Nick brings to the ballpark a mix of hard-nosed play, energy and a commitment to winning, and he brings it each and every day. He's a great addition to our team and clubhouse."

Swisher, signed by Chicago through the 2011 season with a club option for 2012, was traded by Oakland for pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Fautino De Los Santos and outfielder Ryan Sweeney.

Left-hander Sweeney is a career .289 hitter with 33 home runs and 239 RBIs.