baileywalk–There certainly has been an “almost” theme to Mosse’s career. He has lost two no-hitters in the 9th inning. He has won 19 twice. He has finsihed in the top 5 in Cy Young voting six times. He has never won a World Series. In his first year on the Yanks, he was on the heartbreaking 2001 team.

In the beginning of his Yankees tenure, he was one of my least favorite players. I viewed him as a smug Stanford know-it-all, who barely tolerated the fans, media and even his teammates.

But over the years, he’s become one of my favorites. He’s loosened up. He gives thoughtful interviews. He knows he’s become an old junkballer trying to hang on. And best of all, he didn’t go to the drug store when he lost his 95mph fastball.

I still think he needs to compile some more numbers to get to Cooperstown. And I’ll be rooting hard for him to stay healthy and get there.

He also logged his numbers for 10 years in Camden Yards, against the AL East. A 18 year career with 254+ wins/ .632 winning percentage / 3.71 ERA / and 2675+ Srike Outs. I’d vote for him to be in. Hopefully he can keep it going for the rest of the season.

Joel, you think Moose has a legit shot? I personally think he’s a HoF right now, giving everything you said. But don’t you get the feeling that writers don’t quite respect the career he’s had? That he’s like an “almost” great pitcher? I feel there’s this negative perception of him. But maybe the steroid era gives him a nudge in the right direction.

So, Steve, it wasn’t just luck for Mussina today? No? It was his contract status? Does that mean he took last year off because he likes to be humiliated and taken out of the rotation? I guess he was saving his strength for this year, when he can cash in with a one-year deal somewhere. That makes all the sense in the world.

Go Moose Go! 46 to go.

He’s pitched his entire career in the AL East on a 10″ mound in the Steroid Era. He’s aged right before our eyes in the way that normal non-PED takers age. With each win, he inches towards Cooperstown.