Since the signing of Mussina, the Yankees haven't won a World Series. The once-dominant pitcher from Baltimore is not as dominant anymore and he's up there in age. Would you extend his option for next year hoping for a decent season? I think they should let him go to make room for younger pitching.
-- Glenn U., Yonkers, N.Y.
Let's start with the fact that the Yankees aren't going to pick up Mussina's option, which calls for him to earn $17 million in 2007.
Now, I believe they will bring Mussina back on a one- or two-year deal for less money (something in the $10 million per year range), though he won't be expected to anchor the staff as the ace.
Mussina will be the team's No. 2 or 3 starter, and while he was unable to hold the lead in Game 2 that many people believe was the turning point of the series, he certainly did his share to get the Yankees to the postseason.
If they're going to make room for younger pitching, it will be toward the bottom of the rotation, not in the No. 2 or 3 spot. Mussina should be back, which I believe is the right move.
Do you think Mussina was a success or a bust over the life of his contract?
-- Steve W., Great Neck, N.Y.
This is an interesting question, Steve. In his six years, Mussina went 92-53 for the Yankees, which is a pretty darn good record. That's an average of more than 15 wins per season, which is something not very many pitchers have over the past six seasons.
Like all Yankees, Mussina's legacy in New York will be based more on his postseason performance than his regular-season numbers, but there's something to be said for winning 15 games a year, which he has done in 10 of his 15 full big-league campaigns.
You can't get to the postseason without guys who win games during the regular season. You just can't. Besides, there's this idea out there that Mussina hasn't been a big-game pitcher at all since joining the Yankees, which just isn't true.
• 2001 ALDS: Mussina pitches seven shutout innings, but is overshadowed by Derek Jeter's classic flip play and Jorge Posada's game-winning homer, as the Yankees beat the A's 1-0 in Game 3, staving off elimination. Without this game, the dynasty ends in a three-game sweep in the first round.
• 2001 ALCS: Mussina holds the 116-win Mariners to two runs on four hits over six innings in Game 2 at Safeco Field, giving the Yankees a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, which they would win in five games.
• 2001 World Series: Mussina was rocked by Arizona in Game 1, but he came back to hold the Diamondbacks to two runs over eight innings in Game 5. Of course, he was once again overshadowed by Scott Brosius' incredible game-tying home run and Alfonso Soriano's game-winning hit in the 12th, but this was one heck of a ballgame.
• 2003 ALCS: Mussina lost Game 1, then took another loss in Game 4 despite posting a quality start. But Mussina made his mark on this series in Game 7, coming in to relieve Roger Clemens with no outs, runners on the corners and the Yankees trailing 4-0 in the fourth. He pitched three scoreless innings on two days rest, making Aaron Boone's memorable home run possible.
• 2003 World Series: Mussina pitches a gem in Game 3, allowing one run over seven innings while striking out nine Marlins to give the Yankees a 2-1 series lead. Unfortunately for him, his team couldn't give him a shot in Game 7, losing the series in six.
• 2004 ALCS: Mussina won Game 1 of the series against Boston, throwing six shutout innings before allowing four runs in the seventh with the game well in hand. He was in position to win Game 5 and wrap up the series, having thrown six innings of two-run ball at Fenway Park, but Tom Gordon and Mariano Rivera blew the lead and Boston, as we all know, went on to win the game and the series.
• 2005 ALDS: Yes, Mussina pitched a terrible Game 5 in Anaheim, but let's not forget that he pitched 5 2/3 shutout innings in Game 1 to earn the win.
My point here is that while Mussina has certainly had his share of clunkers in the postseason, he's come up big several times for the Yankees in October (and in some cases, November) as well. I think his first six years here were successful, even if he hasn't won the ring he so desperately wants.
Fans are wondering if Philip Hughes will start the 2007 in the Major Leagues. (Getty Images)
Complete Article
Mailbag: Will Mussina be back in '07?
Mailbag: Will Mussina be back in '07?
Linear Mode
