Moose Loose?
From Jon Heyman today -
The Yankees have decided not to exercise the $17 million option on Mike Mussina. If they can’t work out an equitable alternative deal — say, for two years — they’ll have to pay him the $1.5 million buyout.
I expect the Red Sox, Mets, and Indians to all try and offer Mussina a two year deal as well. And, since Moose’s agent is Arn Tellem (who Big Stein once said was “no good”), I expect Camp Mussina to field as many offers as possible.
For all we know, the Nationals and Orioles might make a run at Mussina as well.
I would bet that Moose wants to stay in the AL, close to Montoursville (PA), and play for a team that can help him reach 280 career wins.
Prediction: Mussina will be playing his home games in Fenway Park next year.
Quite honestly, the Yanks better find a way to deal with Mussina and Tellem. Not that I love Mussina that much but a) the free agent market is very thin and I’d rather overpay slightly for two years of average-to-above-average Moose than take my chances with unknown commodities and b) for him to leave NY and go to Boston not only weakens the Yanks but strengthens Boston.
I hope Cashman doesn’t waste any time on this and makes it a priority to get Mussina back.
FWIW, they had no problem with Tellem on the Matsui deal, IIRC.
With Schilling and Wakefield pushing 40, I think Boston will go after a younger guy like Zito. I think Moose will stay in pinstripes. It would be a mistake to let him walk.
Can’t remember if it’s been discussed here or not, but do you think Moose is a HOFer? It will be an interesting vote if he finishes with 280 or so wins, but no rings, no 20 win season, and no Cy Youngs.
Moose will stay. And, yes, the Yanks will overpay.
My Magic 8-ball says next year’s opening day rotation will be…
Wang
Matsuzaka
Moose
Buehrle (don’t ask me – it’s the 8-ball’s fault)
Unit
280 wins should get him into Cooperstown. I don’t think that 250-ish will do it.
I don’t want any part of Buehrle unless his contract is so cheap that a team would be stupid to let him walk by. He got positively ROCKED in 2005.
I don’t want any part of Buehrle unless his contract is so cheap that a team would be stupid to let him walk by. He got positively ROCKED in 2005.
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*shrug* What about Wakefield?
I think he’s such a Boston icon, they don’t let him go.
Raf, I only take Wakefield if we can get Mirabelli too.
(I hope the sarcasm was clearly conveyed. I don’t want anyone jumping down my throat as I was merely joking)!
I’m not sure that Mussina will get into the Hall, but I think that he should, even if he retired now with 239 wins. His numbers, adjusted for era, fit right in with those of other Hall of Fame starters.
Still, if I were the Yankees, I would offer Mussina 2 years at $22 million take it or leave it. If he leaves it, they’ll have shed one more 8 figure salary for an aging player. Mussina is by no means a sure thing. 3 of the last 4 years he’s been decidedly average. I’m not completely convinced that a young pitcher like Rasner could not put up numbers comparable to what a 38-year-old Mussina would put up next year.
I could live with 2/22 or 1/15 with a team option/buyout on the 2nd year – - $15 mill to stay and $2 mill on the buyout.
I could live with 2/22 or 1/15 with a team option/buyout on the 2nd year – - $15 mill to stay and $2 mill on the buyout.
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Isn’t that basically the $17 million they just declined?
I was under the impression it was going to be closer to a 2 year deal for less the $20 million, but maybe I underestimated.
Good point. Knowing that, make it 1/12 with a team option/buyout on the 2nd year – - $12 mill to stay and $2 mill on the buyout.