Someone explain this one to me

[Gom]

I know you are all Sox fans, and I'm on the other side of the battle between good and evil, but this is one thing I can't really get, and no one on any of the other boards I am on gets either.

 

I like Mike Mussina, and would like to see him back. However, I figure Schmidt would cost about 14 million per, and Mussina is asking for 12 million per. Why not just go for Schmidt? I realize that he wants to go to the West Coast, but what have you got to lose? Just offer him 14 million for 4 years, and if he accepts before Wednesday, let Moose go [Wednesday is the day the Yankees have to decide on his option].

 

Schmidt is younger, better, and just as, if not more, durable.

 

Why not pull a Damon signing, put it on the table, take it or leave it, 24 hours kind of thing.

 

Not only that, but if the Yankees go to 15 million per for 4 years for Schmidt, they just upped the salary for Matsuzaka as well.

 

Is there an angle here I am not seeing?

[Cocos Disciples]

Seems like it would make sense. It's only a 2 mil differences and thats literally nothing for the Yanks, he had a better 06 and is younger.

[ARod2212]

National League to American League makes the Yankees weary, despite the fact his stuff should transfer over pretty well. Also, Mussina has proved he can handle NY. Schmidt saying he prefers the West Coast says to me that he's shying away from the big time NY media.

[Mr Crunchy]

say what you will about mussina but the guy puts up the same #s every single year

if you dont want him in ny

i'd take him here in boston in a second.

schmidt was in my opinion the prize of this offseason but as the gentleman above alluded to,there is the switch of leagues to consider as well as speculation that schmidt lost some velocity over the last couple years

[BudLight]

Here's the big differences I see: Mussina has pitched his entire career in the AL East with a career 3.63 ERA and 1.17 Whip. He has 22 postseason appearances with a 3.40 ERA. Schmidt has pitched his entire career in the inferior National League with an ERA of 3.91 with only 5 postseason appearances. That 3.91 ERA quickly becomes 4+ in the AL East. I'll keep Mussina and try to sign Schmidt with that $13M savings from Sheffield

[jacksonianmarch]

Mussina is a good, safe move for the yankees. He is a guy who has reinvented himself over and over to mix with his deteriorating velocity. This yr was his rennaissance yr. He went from a guy who lived and died by his velocity to a guy who embraced his lack of speed. He changed from a 90mph eater, 75 mph curve guy who would get in trouble when the FB dipped to 85 as the change in speeds was not significant, to a guy who threw 87mph fastball with a 60mph curveball with impeccable control. He also fits with the direction of the organization. 3 top 10 prospects will be in the AAA rotation this yr. Those guys will need a spot if they continue to shine. A 2 yr deal for an aging pitcher opens that hole after 08 and accomodates them.

 

That is why the yankees are looking at pursuing Clemens and Pettitte. Both would want a short term deal, something to bridge the gap for the yankees prospects to make it to the majors and for the FA yrs of big guys like Santana and Carpenter to be upon us. Cashman is craving flexibility, and in a market where the pitchers are no sure thing, I cannot say that I disagree with him.