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It appears as if Nick Swisher will be sticking around for a while, as the Athletics have locked him up to a new five-year contract with a club option for a sixth season, which means Swisher will be locked up through his second year of free agency at maximum.

At 26 years old, this is a great signing for Oakland. They've just bought themselves two extra seasons of Nick Swisher in his prime before he can leave Oakland for a big money deal just as others such as Jason Giambi and Miguel Tejada have done. Not to mention the relative cost of the deal, which is relatively inexpensive at $26.75 million. The option is for $10.25 million with a buyout for $1 million, which gives the A's a cheap out if Swisher's stats go south.

This also ensures that they have most of the key components of their team locked up through at least '09, important for the original low budget "Money Ball" club:

The A's now have eight players under contract beyond the 2007 season, not including Mark Ellis and Jay Witasick, who have club options for next season. The eight players and the years they are signed through are: Swisher (2011, club option 2012), Eric Chavez (2010, club option 2011), Bobby Crosby (2009), Alan Embree (2008, club option 2009), Rich Harden (2008, club option 2009), Dan Haren (2009, club option 2010), Mark Kotsay (2008), Esteban Loaiza (2008, club option 2009).

But most of all, they lock up a class act.

Previously on The Fanhouse:
Nick Swisher Grows Hair for Cancer Patients