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October 13, 2006
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.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at October 13, 2006 01:05 PM
Comments
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.
Posted by: MJ
at October 13, 2006 01:32 PM
FWIW, they had no problem with Tellem on the Matsui deal, IIRC.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi
at October 13, 2006 01:36 PM
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.
Posted by: christopher
at October 13, 2006 01:47 PM
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
Posted by: brockdc
at October 13, 2006 01:51 PM
280 wins should get him into Cooperstown. I don't think that 250-ish will do it.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi
at October 13, 2006 01:52 PM
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.
Posted by: MJ
at October 13, 2006 02:04 PM
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.
Posted by: Raf
at October 13, 2006 02:31 PM
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)!
Posted by: MJ
at October 13, 2006 03:04 PM
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.
Posted by: jonm
at October 13, 2006 03:18 PM
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.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi
at October 13, 2006 03:53 PM
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.
Posted by: bfriley76
at October 13, 2006 05:08 PM
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.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi
at October 13, 2006 06:01 PM
