20

The Yankees pulled out all of the stops in order to get Mike Mussina his first 20-win season today. Congrats to the Moose. At the beginning of the season, I predicted that the old guy had something left and he sure proved that this year.

Cashman Set To Return?

According to George King III, Brian Cashman has “decided” to return, or, at least that’s what the “buzz” is from those familiar with the team. Cashman has not made an explicit decision yet (so King’s article title is rather misleading), however, we should hear something definitive by tomorrow or Tuesday.

Almost Over

Here’s an AP Photo of this year’s rookie hazing. You can see Juan Miranda, Brett Gardner, and Francisco Cervelli dressed as the Village People as they leave Fenway. Obviously, these guys are leaving because the game was postponed and, if you’re interested, the Yankees and Sox will battle throughout the day, tomorrow, with a doubleheader. I guess the biggest story for Yankee fans is that Mike Mussina will go after the Sox as he searches for that elusive 20th win.

If you watched Mussina’s last start against Boston then you were very pleased with what you saw. He gave up 2 ER in 7 IP, scattered 5 hits and struck out 6. He looked comfortable against a Manny-less Red Sox lineup and I think that’s an important sign for the Yankees as they gauge their interest in Mussina for next year. I know one batter shouldn’t make a difference when estimating whether or not a pitcher can perform within your own division, however, these past few years have had quite a few Manny-Mussina battles and Manny Ramirez has typically wiped the floor with whatever Mike Mussina threw at him on that given day. Without him in there, it could make Mussina’s numbers that much better against the Sox over the course of an entire season. I may be expecting too much, but Mussina hasn’t thrown 7 full innings against the Red Sox since 2004, so make no mistake, without Manny in that lineup, Mike Mussina feels better about his chances (I’m not trying to slight Jason Bay, that’s just the truth).

Finally, does anyone else want to bet that, if the Red Sox are winning in the bottom of the 9th in the 2nd game (which could easily happen with Sidney Ponson scheduled for that start), the fans will rise and sing the “Goodbye” song to the Yankees. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them try it, with us not headed to the playoffs and all.