Mike Mussina

2013

There was no outlook written for Mike Mussina.

2008

Mussina is under contract for $11 million in 2008 and the Yankees may be forced to keep him in the back of the rotation for that simple reason, though there are plenty of younger options available to take his place with the likes of Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlin and Ian Kennedy all vying for a spot. Given his impressive track record, a partial rebound towards being a serviceable fantasy hurler isn't out of the question if he can adjust to pitching with less velocity than he had when he was younger. 2007 marked the first season since 1994 where he failed to strike out at least 100 batters.

2007

Mussina had a strong 2006 campaign, starting more games, striking out more batters and posting a lower ERA than he had in the previous two seasons. Even more importantly, opponents struggled to hit him and he had a strikeout-to-walk ratio of near 5-to-1. A regression is bound to occur, but for the right price, he's still a serviceable option behind a stable of power pitchers for fantasy rotations. Just realize that you're buying the 38-year-old 2007 edition of Mussina.

2006

A look at Mussina's stats, particularly his ERAs, over the last two years indicates he isn't an elite pitcher anymore. He's capable of going on some hot streaks, but the Mussina who won 185 games from 1992 to 2003 is a relic. He'll be 37 at the start of the 2006 season. Let someone else pay for the pitcher Mussina used to be.

2005

It was a tale of two seasons for the Moose in 2004. The first five months were as ugly as it gets: 5.42 ERA, 1.427 WHIP, and a six-week midseason DL stint. But, oh, what a September: Mussina's 2.14 ERA and 1.042 WHIP made him the Yankees' No. 1 starter heading into the playoffs. He's not Johan Santana over a full season, but a year like 2003 isn't too much to expect.

2004

Mr. Consistency turned in another fabulous season in 2003, very close to his three-year averages. He also helped his cause by recording his sixth American League Gold Glove award. Expect more of the same this year as he gets more offense and a better bullpen behind him. If Kenny Lofton provides better range than Bernie Williams, his ERA will dip even lower. There aren't many more solid early-round selections. Expect the third season of his six-year, $88.5 million deal to be just as good as the previous.

2003

Mussina's earned runs, walks and hits all went up slightly in 2002, even though he pitched 13 less innings than he did in 2001. But his excellent K/BB ratio of 182/48 gives us no reason to worry. He's still a top-5 AL pitcher, given his expected run support.