Mussina; Abreu Make Solid Case For Return In '09
When Mike Mussina walked off the mound after facing one batter in the top of the 7th inning, in yesterday's 9-2 Yankees victory over the Chicago White Sox, the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd gave Mussina a very warm round of applause, mixed in with shouts of "Mooooose".
Maybe, many in the crowd had the thought that this could be the final pitching performance by Mike Mussina in a Yankees uniform at Yankee Stadium [old or new].
Moose tipped his cap, and waved it high into the air to the cheering crowd, as he entered the Yankees dugout. It should not be for the final time, though, as a New York Yankee at Yankee Stadium. Mussina's awesome pitching effort this year was underlined with his great effort last night. Mike Mussina has earned at least a new two-year contract, which hopefully will lead the Yankees to another couple of World Championships, as we all enjoy traveling with Mussina on his journey to 300 career wins.
Mike Mussina threw 97 pitches, over six strong innings, allowing only one run, on five hits, two walks, and four strikeouts, to lower his ERA to 3.57, while raising his won-loss record to 18-9. It took two weeks for Mussina to reach 18 wins; and, with any luck in a few of his past starts this season, Mussina would have already won his 20th game. But, with two more starts to go, his first 20-win season is still in sight.
Also, this was another Yankee game in which more history was made at Yankee Stadium. The win by Mike Mussina was his 268th career victory, tying him with Jim Palmer for 33rd on the all-time win list. With each Mike Mussina victory, it looks more and more like Mussina's path will lead to the Hall of Fame when his playing days are over.
In the Yankees 9-2 victory, it was the power of Bobby Abreu who helped seal Mike Mussina's 18th win.
Bobby Abreu (3-for-5), with 6 RBI's, had one of his best games of the year, hitting two long homeruns -- a picture-perfect, two-run homer, deep into the upper rightfield seats in the first inning; and, a long solo shot into the right-centerfeld bleachers in the third inning, both off White Sox starter, Javier Vasquez (12-14), who has now allowed Abreu 9 homeruns throughout his career.
Abreu is now batting .299, with 19 homeruns, and 95 RBI's, and clearly made a statement last night, [and, this season], that he should be re-signed by the Yankees, for at least the next three years.
The Yankees have to make many moves this off-season; and, the first two of these moves should be the re-signing of Mike Mussina and Bobby Abreu. In my view, both players are very important to the foundation of the next few Yankee seasons. They provide proven all-star experience that is needed [as a good mix] with all the young prospects the Yankees will have on their roster.
Whatever moves the Yankees make in the off-season, "money should not be an issue" when considering which players to re-sign, or which free-agents to bring to New York. This philosophy should start with the re-signing of both Mike Mussina and Bobby Abreu.
Jimmy, I'd love to see Abreu come back but maybe not for three years. The Yankees say they're trying to go younger, especially in the outfield. They've got so many options out there now....Nady, Damon, Abreu, Gardner, Cabrera, and down the line Austin Jackson. And maybe they'll stick Matsui out there when he's recovered from his knee surgery? As for Moose, I predict he's back in '09 but who knows after that. I think he'll take it year by year. What we need is a front of the rotation starting pitcher and a really good first baseman (hello, Teixiera)!
- http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
Report any abuse or spam
Hi, Jane ...
The Yankees have many decisions to make this off-season; and, the younger players will be a major part of the roster in 2009 ... But, regarding Bobby Abreu, I think the Yankees should def bring him back, and I believe it will take a three-year contract to keep him in New York ... Abreu is a solid all-around player who is in a position in his career to sign "one more big contract", and he probably will be looking for a 4-5 year deal [and, could get that type of contract from some other team] ... So, it's with that in mind; and, also, the fact that Bobby has already said he "wants to stay on the Yankees", that I believe the Yankees will have to offer Abreu a three-year deal [or, at least two years, with an option], to keep him in rightfield for the next few years ... With all the uncertainty surrounding the Yankees roster, and lineup, I would feel very confident to know that the Yankees number three hitter, and his .300 BA; 20+ HR's; and 100+ RBI's, is securely signed, and in place for the next three years ... And, that player is Bobby Abreu !!! ... The same goes for Mike Mussina ... With all the young pitchers that the Yankees hope will have good years in 2009 [and, there still are many question marks], having Mike Mussina as the "ace" of our staff, is very important ... [also, I would like to see Andy Pettitte return for this same reason] ... As "they" say, "follow the money" regarding all these moves; and, like I have said a number of times, "I really hope the Yankees 'do not' let money get in the way when making these 'very' important decisions" ... Also, I hope the Yankees make every effort to sign free-agents, Mark Teixiera and CC Sabathia !!! ... It should be an interesting off-season !!!
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam
I am in agreement on both players. Mussina may be willing to sign a year-to-year deal, and hopefully the Yankees can sign Abreu to no more than a two-year deal. Both have been very productive and the Yankees would be hard-pressed to improve upon what both have done this year. I like Nady a lot, but don't see him doing more offensively or defensively in right than Abreu.
http://heartlandpinstripes.wordpress.com/
Report any abuse or spam
Hi, Jason ...
Yeah, I think it's very important for the Yankees to re-sign Mike Mussina and Bobby Abreu ... I know the Yankees are hoping many of their young prospects make the team, and have good years in 2009 [and, beyond] ... But, for the next few years, the Yankees also need to have a mix of proven all-star veterans on the roster that will help to make the transition to the young players more successful, while also continuing to win ball games !!! ... Thanks for the visit, Jason ... Jimmy [27NYY]
Report any abuse or spam