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October 05, 2006

Mussina's Post-Season Legacy

Rick Carpiniello takes it to Mike Mussina:

As good and solid as he has been, Mussina was in the middle of the diamond for some bad moments. He took the clinching loss against the Angels last fall (2 2/3 innings, five earned runs). He left Game 3 of the 2002 ALDS, a no-decision in a loss, against Anaheim after four innings (four runs) because of a sore groin. He lasted three innings (five runs) in his only start of the 2001 World Series, a loss.

I know that Mussina pitched in two games during the 2001 World Series. Therefore, Carpiniello does not have his facts correct. (I think Carpiniello did not look at Game 5 of the 2001 World Series.)

According to my math, in 15 Yankee post-season games, Mussina's ERA is 3.69. Still, in those 15 games, Mussina's W-L record is 5-6.

Nonetheless, the 2001 ALDS, 2003 World Series and 2004 ALCS were Mussina's Yankees post-season high-lights.

All told, I would offer that Mussina has been a good post-season pitcher for the Yankees. I hope he continues that this October.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at October 5, 2006 09:47 AM

Comments

He's definitely been on the receiving end of some bad luck (Game 1 2003 ALDS, Game 1 2003 ALCS) where he has pitched decently but couldn't get any support from hitters or fielders. I do have to say, however, that some of his performances have been a bit underwhelming too. Last year's Game 5 was not at all what I was hoping or expecting from him.

Anyway, let's just hope that he comes out strong today and gives the team 7 quality innings. With a potential for 4 games in a row now with no off days, Moose needs to give the bullpen a lift. Especially with RJ and Wright (if necessary, but hopefully not) looming on Friday and Saturday...

Posted by: MJ [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 5, 2006 11:19 AM

lol, another ARod story...

Despite the 5-6 record, Moose has been a good postseason pitcher. I guess Carpinello needed something to write about since the game was washed out?

Over his postseason career, Moose has gone 7-7, 3.30. Not bad, not bad at all.

Posted by: Raf [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 5, 2006 11:31 AM

MJ - we're thinking the same thing. I just wrote about Mussina needing to go deep today. Beat you by 10 minutes!

Posted by: Steve Lombardi [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 5, 2006 11:35 AM

I just saw that Steve. Great minds think alike, obviously!

Posted by: MJ [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 5, 2006 11:52 AM