We may have heard our last Moose call.
The news is unofficial, but it looks like
Mike Mussina has decided to retire after an 18-year career. Mussina, who won 20 games for the first time this past season, will finish with a 270-153 record and a lifetime 3.68 ERA. He ranks 19th all-time with 2,813 career strikeouts.
The 2008 season was disappointing for the Bombers, but it would have been a nightmare without Mussina taking the hill every fifth day. There were highs (his near perfect game against the Boston Red Sox in 2001, his clutch relief performance in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS) and lows (his flatline personality, getting bumped from the rotation for a time during his miserable 11-10, 5.15 ERA season in 2007) for Mussina during his eight years in New York, but overall it was a great signing for the Yanks following the 2000 season.
The news probably won't affect the Yankees pursuit of free-agent pitchers this offseason. The Bombers have already made an offer for CC Sabathia and it looks like A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe are also on their radar. Is that good news or bad news? I guess time will tell. Mussina's retirement could also open the door for Andy Pettitte to return to the Bronx next season.
It would have been great if Mussina decided to come back for 2009, but the retirement rumor was floating around before the end of the 2008 season. It would have probably taken Moose three years to try and win 300 games for his career and I guess Mussina, who turns 40 in December, just didn't have it in him to go for it.
Maybe the reports aren't true, or maybe Mussina will have a change of heart, but if he doesn't, I'll give him one final call.
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!!!
Thanks for the memories.
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Would have liked to see him come back after a great season. Maybe, for him, he's retiring somewhat on top. Not nearly the same as a World Series ring but a great season.