New York Yankees' Mike Mussina: When Is Enough... Enough?

I like Mike Mussina just as much as the next person. He graduated from Stanford, and is a generally decent guy. The only problem is his pitching, and considering he's a pitcher, that's a pretty big problem.

Last year the Moose was 11-10 with a 5.15 ERA, well above his career average. The year before was very good, considering...he was 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA. That year, we all remember, Mike had a decent fastball that travels 88-92 mph.

The most important thing was his change-up, which he turned from mid 70s to high 60s pitch. He's been figured out, and this effectiveness has greatly diminished.

Currently, Mike has a fastball that ranges from 82-87 mph, maybe 88 at max. Age is certainly a factor, but what has caused such a decrease? It doesn't happen just like that.

Take Randy Johnson. He's just about 45 years old and could get it to 96 or 97 mph if he had to. This has actually been a decrease over the past 3 or 4 years, but he's still a decent pitcher. 

At the rate he's going, Mike needs some drastic improvement to get his game better and to improve the team. The Yankees aren't in terrible shape, but they'd be much better if Mike could produce consistent quality starts. 

I don't specifically remember what year it was; probably 2006, where Moose had a running record of quality starts (6 IP +). If he could do anything to eat up six innings, then that would be fantastic help to New York. 

But what is there to do with Mike? He's got to re-strengthen himself. He is paid a lot of money to perform, and he's got to get his arms strong.

Another important part of strengthening is his hips. Most of the pitching power comes from the hips. Aside from his age, a lack of strength in his hips may be reducing his fastball speed.

Mussina has to do this or call it a career at the end of the season. 

In addition, what's stopping him from taking batting practice? I believe one of the most important things a pitcher can do is take batting practice.

Not only does he improve his batting skills in preparation for a National League home game, but he understand what he needs to work on when he takes the mound. By taking batting practice, a pitcher can understand himself better and analyze what it takes to get batters out. 

If there's one thing about the Moose we can appreciate, it's his control and location. Mike can still nail portions of the strike zone with precision like no other in the league.

It is that control that has helped him all through out his career, and although his velocity has decreased, his location is about the only thing he's got left going for him. 

I've run countless simulations that try to best predict the outcome of a pitcher's season. I see two possibilities. The first is an an 8-14 record with a 5.40 ERA, barring no move to the bullpen, no injuries, or no drastic changes.

With re-strengthening and the changes I suggest, Mussina could produce a 12-12 record with an ERA close to 4.50.