Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET), *Rodriguez/Figgins* (2005)

[Shelley935]

Mike Mussina 35
#1 Scout
Posts: 395
(10/9/05 11:39 pm)
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Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgins*
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Mike Mussina will be making his next start in game five of the American League Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Cy Young Award frontrunner Bartolo Colon. This will be an exact repeat of game one of the series as the pitching matchup will be the same and it will be the same location. The big difference is that while the first game was huge, this game will be as big as it gets short of the World Series or League Championship. The reason is because the season comes down to one game for both teams with the loser going home. The Yankees have again overcome adversity in the series and finishing with another W would be exciting and well deserved. There is nothing more stressful than the deciding game of a series. It should be a thrilling and tense matchup between two talented and motivated teams.

Mike will have his hands full in this game. I am looking for a repeat to his last performance. I have mixed emotions about this game. That is because Moose has the chance to be a hero but at the same time he could also be the one to blame should the Yankees lose. I know Mussina likes challenges and he has been in similar big games before but there is a lot riding on his shoulders. His elbow situation is hopefully good as shown by his last outing but he cannot afford a rocky start. It is crucial that Mike allow little to no R's. He will need to locate, throw first pitch strikes, allow no big innings and pitch like he knows how to pitch. This will definitely be one of the biggest and most important games that Mussina has ever pitched in during his career. Mike will be making his fifth start of the season against the Angels, postseason included. For the year, Mike is 2-2 2.89 ERA. Three of the starts were exceptional and one was a little shaky. In the playoffs, Mike is 1-0 0.00 ERA against the Angels this season. I expect Mike to have another good game and give his team a chance to W.

Bartolo Colon will be on the mound for the Angels. Colon is one of the best pitchers in the game and the Cy Young Award frontrunner as a starter. Colon is a real threat to the Yankees despite him struggling against them this year. Colon can easily blow hitters away with 97 mph plus heat. He has great stamina and pitches late into games. The Yankees need to get to Colon early as Colon often gets stronger as the game goes on. The Yankees like heat, so if Colon loses his location, it doesn't take much good wood to get one of those fastballs out of the park. The downside to Colon is that he needs to locate because he has a straight fastball with little movement. For the regular season Colon was among the league leaders in almost every category. He was 21-8 3.48 ERA 33 G 222 2/3 IP 2 CG only 43 BB 157 K. He ranks in the top ten in the American League in W, CG, K, IP and ERA. Colon will be making his fourth start of the season against the Yankees, playoffs included. He is 1-2 7.00 ERA. In the playoffs, Colon is 0-1 5.14 ERA against the Bombers this year.

The key hitter for the Yankees will be Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez hits Colon extremely well as shown by his .442 7 HR 16 RBI 3B 5 2B 3 BB. I hope he can come through again.

As for Mussina, his key out will be the dangerous all around player Chone Figgins. Figgins hits Mussina amazingly well as has one of the highest BAA off Mussina of any hitter around. Figgins hits .538 BB. The good thing is that he lacks power numbers against Mike. The dominated one in this game will be Vladimir Guerrero believe it or not. Mussina has been really fortunate to limit Guerrero's power numbers or number in general! For some reason the free swinging Guerrero, one of the best hitters in baseball hits only .158 2 K 2B RBI against Mussina.

The Yankees need to get control of the game early. They need to take advantage of any opportunity Colon gives them and they cannot afford any mistakes. Mussina needs to be sharp and the bullpen, which could include virtually any pitcher must be prepared. I really hope that Moose can dominate in front of the nation again and come up huge to let the Yankees advance to the next series. This will be a classic matchup and nailbiter! I think Mussina and the Yankees can do it!

[Shelley935]

Shelley935
~ The Boss ~
Diamond Diva
Posts: 20037
(10/9/05 11:45 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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I have mixed emotions about this game. That is because Moose has the chance to be a hero but at the same time he could also be the one to blame should the Yankees lose.
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I admit that I'm very nervous about this game. Ordinarily, I would have no doubt about Mike rising to the occasion. But with his health in question -- just how is elbow feeling? -- it's tough to know what will happen.

Mike has no margin for error...neither do his teammates.

[Shelley935]

Vicky513
Hall-of-Famer
Posts: 3880
(10/10/05 12:11 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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The Angels are a good team, and they're going to bring their A game. The Yanks need to do that too...that means NO ERRORS. You cant let these guys get runs. It seems that everytime they let one person on base, 5 runs will score.

I hope Mike has his stuff. He's going to need good defense behind him as well.

I do have faith in them, but this game does make me very nervous. Hopefully the Yanks will deliver!!!

[Shelley935]

cdm71998


Ace Reporter
Posts: 2344
(10/10/05 12:23 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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Who ever is doing Sportscenter tonight just said in comparing the two starters for tomorrow about Moose: "And he does have the Moosebar going for him."

[Shelley935]

Shelley935
~ The Boss ~
Diamond Diva
Posts: 20046
(10/10/05 12:42 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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I heard that...it cracked me up!

[Shelley935]

Stevebo23
Veteran
Posts: 60
(10/10/05 11:09 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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Sorry im a newb what is the moosebar?

This game is huge. I have faith in this teams ability to put it together for a w and move on to the red hot sox. That will be another problem for another day.

Best of luck Moose I know you can do it!!

Arod will need atleast 2 hr to make this postseason a sucess he has been flat out sad to watch struggle at the plate this series. Some people are doing better some worse but i really thought he was going to be the differance in this series. A few hits and few timley walks but i want to see some hr's from him tonight.

[Shelley935]

Knucklecurve35
Media Police
Posts: 13504
(10/10/05 1:01 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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Steve - the Moose Bar is featured here. I suggest you try them. If you like Reese's, you'll love these and the proceeds go to Mike's Foundation. I think that most of us here have eaten our weight in them!

www.mooseathleticgear.com/

I don't expect Colon to make the same mistake he made last Tuesday - fastballs. I'm sure he's been made aware that's not the way to get through this line-up. Too many guys can hit it no matter how hard you throw.

Once again, Mike will need that grab-bag of tricks because you have to keep this team off balance. Keeping runners off the bases is crucial. I think his elbow will hold up as long he can drop those first pitch strikes in there and keep the pitch count down. It'd be nice to go a full seven innings, but I just hope it's another quality start. Like everybody else here, I don't want him to get the flack if he can't hold them down, especially when he went out there in July and August when he was hurting.

[Shelley935]

Stevebo23
Veteran
Posts: 64
(10/10/05 1:18 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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ah moosebar. Must have some come payday. Friday!!

I will let you know what i think

[Shelley935]

moosefan68
Mad Doc
Posts: 3909
(10/10/05 1:20 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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THIS IS IT!!! FOR ALL THE MARBLES!!!

I too have my apprehensions about this game, and I have been vocal about my doubts about the Yankees going far into the post-season, but I am fervently praying that Moose and the Bombers are up to the challenge tonight, and will find a way to win this game and this series. It is almost predestined that Mike should be the pitcher in a game that matters most for the Yankees, as he has proven what a clutch player he was during that lonely stretch of losses earlier in the season!

[Shelley935]

michelle2006
All-Star
Posts: 105
(10/10/05 2:38 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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I was unusually confident about yesterdays game and I am just as confident about todays. I have complete faith in Moose and I trust him. Mike will be fine. He'll pitch another gem.

What concerns me is and even . Alex needs, as said b./f, like at least 2 hrs, or at least 2 rbis in any clutch situation...I have to admit, his performance, or lack of it in the PS has made me back away from calling him MVP. Prove me wrong Alex.

I HAVE FAITH!
LONG LIVE THE EVIL EMPIRE!
MAY THE FORCE BE W/ U MOOSE!!

[Shelley935]

rhrny

Veteran
Posts: 82
(10/10/05 5:48 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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I CAN"T WAIT!!!!

2 hours and 10 minutes until the first pitch!!

[Shelley935]

nepayankeegirl

Cy Young Winner
Posts: 616
(10/10/05 6:08 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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Game 1 I was calm and confident Moose would pitch a good game.

Today I'm a mess.

Sheff and A-Rod have to step it up today.

[Shelley935]

moosefan68
Mad Doc
Posts: 3918
(10/11/05 12:46 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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This is going to be a tough one for Matt...

It is a pity that Mike was not able to pitch effectively tonight; I was hoping for the best but deep down inside, I knew not to expect another good outing from him. He did his best, and I guess that is all we can ask from him.

THANKS MOOSE FOR YOUR EFFORT THIS SEASON!!!

[Shelley935]

Mike Mussina 35
#1 Scout
Posts: 396
(10/11/05 9:04 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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Mike Mussina and the New York Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs after a tough 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the game five finale of the Division Series. The Yankees had several horrible plays, had nothing but bad luck, lacked productive offense and Mussina pitched poorly. It was a tough way to end the season.

Believe it or not, the game started off in the Yankees favor, bigtime. Bartolo Colon clearly did not have his electric stuff in the 1st inning. It looked like it may be a struggle for him. Mike on the other hand had about the easiest inning imaginable. He retired the Angels side in order with only seven pitches.

The Yankees then got what I thought would be a series winning break. Bartolo Colon was removed from the game in the 2nd with a shoulder injury. Could there possibly be a bigger break for the Yankees? The Cy Young Award frontrunner was out in the 2nd and the Angels were forced to bring in young releiver Ervin Santana. The Angels were seemingly doomed. It got worse for the Angels as Santana was wild and giving up R's. Robinson Cano BB'd but was CS at second after what appeared to be a missed hit and run sign by Bernie Williams. Bernie Williams then BB'd and Jorge Posada BB'd. Santana was wild and giving free passes and it looked like the Yankees may just break the game wide opened. Bubba Crosby then came through and hit an RBI single to right. The Yankees were off to an important 1-0 lead. Derek Jeter then followed with a key RBI sacrifice fly to make it 2-0. Crosby then stole second but unfortunately Alex Rodriguez continued his poor hitting and K'd. I was feeling great at that point because of the lead and the seemingly big problem that the Angels had with their pitchers. Sadly, the good feeling would not last long...at all. In the bottom of the 2nd, Garret Anderson led off with a solo HR to make it 2-1. Moose made a perfect pitch as it was exactly where Posada put the glove. Bengie Molina then followed with a single and you could just feel the momentum shift. After two quick outs, Moose BB'd Steve Finley, which as I always say, Mike gets hurt by his very few BB's more than anyone around. It was no different in this game. Adam Kennedy then hit a two R 3B which was actually an E to give the Angels a 3-2 lead. The ball was hit deep into the right center field gap and it should have been caught despite both Crosby and Gary Sheffield having to run a long distance to get there. As the ball was just about in Sheffield's glove, he and Crosby had a violent collision, knocking the ball loose and both players falling down. It was so ugly that it would have been comical if it was not such a huge game. This play was the key play of the game that broke the Yankees back. The two free R's as a result eventually cost them the game, or at least contributed greatly to it. Mike got out of the inning with no further damage.

Sadly, Moose would not make it out of the 3rd inning. Orlando Cabrera and Vladimir Guerrero hit back to back singles to start the inning. Anderson then had an RBI sacrifice fly to make it 4-2. Molina then followed with a single and Darren Erstad drove in a R on a grounder that Jason Giambi went home with and was not even close to beating the runner. It was then 5-2 and the Angels were in high gear. After recording only one out, Mike was removed and replaced with Randy Johnson. I felt horrible for both Mike and the entire team as it looked like their chances were slipping away.

The Yankees had a nice chance in the 5th. By that time, Santana was dominating like he was a Hall of Famer and Johnson was settling in nicely himself. Rodriguez got HBP and Giambi singled with no outs. Believe it or not, Sheffield, Hideki Matsui and and Cano were unable to even advance the runners.

It should be noted that Johnson worked out of a huge bases loaded jam in the 6th inning without allowing a R.

The Yankees had a boost in the 7th inning as Jeter led off with a solo HR to make it a 5-3 game, but failed to score any more the remainder of the game.

The Yankees season and last hope came down to the 9th inning. The Yankees offense had basically disappeared after the 2nd inning which came back to hurt them. They made it just interesting enough to get my hopes up. Francisco Rodriguez entered and was bound to be tough. Jeter started off the inning right with a single. Rodriguez then followed with a devistating double play to really hurt the Yankees inning and take the pressure off of Rodriguez. Giambi refused to die and singled. Sheffield then had a crucial two out single. Now, a HR would give the Yankees the lead and a 2B would tie it! Unfortunately, Matsui continued his poor hitting too by grounding out the first to end the game. It was incredibly frustrating because the Yankees beat themselves. They had scoring chance after scoring chance that was eliminated by stupidity or lack of execution. They were also beat by a mediocre pitcher and gave up the majority of their R's on what should have been E's or bloop hits.

Mike Mussina did not have a good outing. I thought he may come up big and be the hero but it did not happen. He was not pounded but he gave up a lot of soft H's that were bloops but effective. He was throwing a ton of pitches after the 1st inning and was falling behind hitters. The collision play changed the entire game in my opinion and had that ball been caught, the Yankees may have won the game. Plain and simple, Mussina just got beat. It was the shortest outing of his postseason career and I was sick that he was not able to shine in the spotlight and help his team to a W. Mike had an ugly final line of 2 2/3 IP 6 H 5 ER BB 3 K.

As for Bartolo Colon he was basically a non factor as he left the game early with the shoulder injury. He was clearly in pain and did not have his good stuff. Colon had a short night of 1 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB K. The hero for Anaheim was youngster Ervin Santana who basically came in the game in a starter's role and dominated after his early wildness. Had he collapsed like I thought he would, the Angels would have lost.

As for Alex Rodriguez he had yet another horrible postseason game and was a bad 0-4. The key hitter for the Yankees was Derek Jeter who was a nice 3-4 HR 2 RBI R.

Chone Figgins was subdued and limited to an 0-3 BB performance. The Angels key hitter ended up being Garrett Anderson who had a good day. He was 1-3 HR 2 RBI R. As for Valdimir Guerrero, the dominated one, he went 1-2 R against Mike and the H was a blooper.

I must say that I am very sad that the season is over. I thought the Yankees would W the game for sure once Colon exited and the Yankees were scoring R's off the wild Santana. It was truly an up and down season that required the Yankees to really battle to even make the playoffs. To win the division after what the Yanks went through and were they were in the division early on was remarkable. It is a shame that this talented team had to be eliminated so early. I can't wait for next season already. Maybe that will be the "special year" for Mike that he really deserves. The roster changes in the off season should be interesting to follow and I hope they have a strong roster again next year.

[Shelley935]

Shelley935
~ The Boss ~
Diamond Diva
Posts: 20081
(10/12/05 9:42 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Colon (Mon. 10th, 8:00 ET) *Rodriguez/Figgin
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS THIS SEASON!

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I can't wait for next season already. Maybe that will be the "special year" for Mike that he really deserves.
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Matt, I want to thank you for all of the wonderful and informative scouting reports and game recaps. I know that some of the recaps must have been very tough to write. For those few of us who don't live in the NY area and weren't able to actually see most of Mike's starts, your recaps almost made it seem like we were there at the games!

Thanks again, Matt!