How about a Mets-Yankees battle over Mike Mussina to take the chill out of the November air?
Mussina has told friends the Mets would be a welcome option if the Yankees don’t want him back. And the Mets will be interested in the veteran right-hander when he becomes a free agent in less than two weeks.
“They would consider him if available,” a person with knowledge of the Mets’ off-season plans said of Mussina.
Throughout the season, Mussina didn’t allow his impending free agency to become an issue. He believed it would work out with the Yankees, and while Mussina returning to The Bronx remains a strong possibility, once the club doesn’t pick up a $17 million option, Mussina is free to talk to all teams.
The Phillies would also appeal to Mussina, a Pennsylvania native.
The Yankees have until Nov. 15 to exercise the option and won’t do it. They will pay the $1.5 million buyout.
Mussina, who will be 38 next month, was 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA in 32 starts this past season. His 239-134 career record with a 3.63 ERA in 475 starts is even more impressive, considering it has been done in the steroid era, exclusively in the AL East and a large part of it pitching in hitter-friendly Camden Yards.
With Carl Pavano making $10 million a year in 2007 and 2008, Mussina rightfully believes he is worth at least that from the Yankees, for whom Mussina has not only served as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher but a sounding board for other pitchers as well as a part-time pitching coach.
Since the Yankees will likely be among the handful of teams bidding on Japanese free agent Daisuke Matsuzaka and are interested in free agents Jeff Suppan and Jason Schmidt, there is a chance Mussina won’t have a chair in Joe Torre’s rotation – especially if the Yankees decision makers believe two years is one too many for Mussina.
Mussina would give the Mets a veteran presence and help fill the void created by Pedro Martinez’s shoulder surgery that will keep him out until the middle of next year. The Mets are also aware of the success experienced AL hurlers have enjoyed when switching leagues (see Roger Clemens).
Pitching for the Mets would offer Mussina a chance to stay in his Westchester home during the season and Mussina, a creature of habit, isn’t wild about radical changes in his life.
As for what the Mets would be willing to pay Mussina, they are in the $10 to $12 million range with Tom Glavine, and Mussina is younger.
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While the Indians have called the Yankees regarding Gary Sheffield’s availability, talk of a three-way deal involving the Yankees, Indians and Padres was inaccurate. The club is likely to pick up Sheffield’s $13 million option Monday with the intention of dealing him.
