NEW YORK — At Nick Swisher's personal Web site, there is a photo of the Yankees' newest acquisition with a smiling CC Sabathia, taken at a charity event in December of 2006.

"I've known CC a couple of years now. He's just a great guy," Swisher said during a conference call Tuesday. "If it all works out ... everyone would be super excited if we could get him out of Milwaukee and bring him in."

Swisher wouldn't say if he planned a recruiting call. "We'll just have to see what happens," said Swisher, who seemed ecstatic about becoming a Yankee.

"What a great opportunity. I could not be more happy," said Swisher, who arrived from the White Sox last week in exchange for Wilson Betemit and two minor league pitchers. "It's really a dream come true."

It would be an even happier holiday season if the Yanks brought in A.J. Burnett, too. "I can characterize his stuff as electric," Swisher said. "It would be a huge pickup if we could get him."

According to a club source, the Yankees could extend offers to free agent right-handers Burnett and Derek Lowe in the coming days. The Yankees feel that Sabathia's decision will take some time, despite their monster, $140 million-plus, six-year offer.

Swisher, who turns 28 next week, is penciled in as the Yankees' first baseman, replacing free agent Jason Giambi. Still, "the off-season is very young," said Swisher, who is equally adept at the corner outfield spots and can play center field. "I'm just trying to be a piece of the puzzle."

After batting .254 with 35 homers and 95 RBI in 2006, and .262 with 22 homers and 78 RBI in 2007 with Oakland, Swisher slipped to a .219 last season, with 22 homers and 78 RBI.

Swisher did not speak in depth about his problems in Chicago, but mentioned his difficult adjustment to batting leadoff, and called it a humbling year.

"I learned a lot from it. ... I just know that all that stuff is behind me," Swisher said. "I'm up for any challenge, and I'm definitely ready for this one."