Coming into this season, I did not have a great feeling about Mike Mussina’s potential contribution to this Yankees team. Then, during Spring Training, I thought that maybe, with a new game plan, Mussina, perhaps, could be a useful pitcher this year. But, to be honest, I never expected to see what we’re getting now from Moose – and I doubt many others out there predicted to see it as well.

However, Joe Girardi always seemed to be in Mike Mussina’s corner. Back in February, Girardi was saying things like:

“We are counting on Moose. It’s not an accident he has [250] wins and has been healthy. Moose knows how to pitch and we are counting on him. When you are young and have a bad month [the belief is] you aren’t ready. In the middle, it’s one bad month. When you are old, you are done.”

And, later, in April, Girardi was saying things like:

“I’m a big believer that you don’t forget how to pitch. When you’ve done it as long as Mike Mussina, and you see 500-plus starts, you don’t just forget how to pitch. Yeah, maybe you have to adjust a little bit, but he’s always had good enough control to make adjustments.”

Now, General Joe has always been an optimistic guy. So, sure, maybe I can see the point of “What else did you expect him to say about Mussina?” However, whether it was just a reflex for Girardi to be in Moose’s corner, or, if it was because of something else, you have to give Girardi credit for standing by Mussina…because it’s paid off, in a big way, for Moose, Joe, the Yankees, and their fans.

Me? Yes, I was wrong about Mussina – and his chances – coming into the season. And, I’m more than happy to admit that now…and enjoy the season that Moose is putting together now.