Many of us have been quick to write off Mike Mussina this year. He hasn’t been spectacular for sure, with really one solid start against the Rays, and one not-so-terrible start against the Sawks. It seems like fans will judge him on a game-to-game basis this year, so six innings and three runs or fewer is crucial if he wants to stay in good favor.
(Though I suspect Moose doesn’t care what you and me think.)
We’re facing old friend Javy Vazquez, who has had a good start to the season. He’s struck out 27 to just 5 walks in 25.1 innings, pitching to a 3.20 ERA. He had a very good year last year too, striking out 213 to just 50 walks in 216.2 innings, compiling a 3.74 ERA.
(I said it at the time of the deal, and I’ll repeat: I would have much rather kept Vazquez, not traded for Johnson, and signed Beltran. Though it’s not like Carlos is making me look good this year.)
Same lineup as last night. Let’s score as many runs!
1. Johnny Damon, LF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Hideki Matsui, DH
5. Jorge Posada, C
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Jason Giambi, 1B
8. Morgan Ensberg, 3B
9. Melky Cabrera, CF
And on the mound, number thirty-five, Mike Mussina.
