Mussina vs. Verlander (Thurs. 5th, 1:09 ET), *Giambi/Ordonez* (2006)

[Shelley935]

Mike Mussina 35
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(10/2/06 12:27 am)
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Mussina vs. Verlander (Thurs. 5th, 1:09 ET) *Giambi/Ordonez*
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Mike Mussina will be pitching the second game of the American League Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander. This is an interesting matchup of teams as the Yankees are seemingly always in the playoffs and the Tigers just broke their playoff drought. The Yankees are filled with experienced veterans while the Tigers thrive on their inexperienced youth. The Tigers are a dangerous team as they can hit, W games any way possible and they rely on talented young pitchers. The Tigers will be throwing the heat at the Yankees as their starters and releivers can dial it up bigtime. I like the Yankees in thi series because I don't think you can beat experience and I feel that they have a much more talented team player to player and position to position.

Mike will need to be careful in this one as the Tigers can find ways to pull out victories and hit the longball. No team makes the playoffs by being mediocre, so Mussina will have a challenge ahead of him. Mike, as always, will need and rely on control. He must keep the Tigers bats off balance by mixing speeds. We have seen Moose do expremely well against the Tigers earlier in the year, so he is looking for similar results. This will be Mussina's second meeting of the season against the Tigers as he is 1-0 0.00 ERA. In his first, Mussina had arguably his best game of the season. He went a CG allowing 0 ER (1 unearned) and only 6 H's. He cruised along and got into no major jams. A repeat performance would be asking a lot, but I think he can still manage a quality start and I expect him to keep the Yankees in the game. This is obviously Mussina's first playoff meeting against the Tigers in the series and first playoff game.

Flamethrower Justin Verlander will be on the hill for the Tigers. Verlander is an exciting pitcher to watch. What is amazing is that he is only a rookie. Verlander, a favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, can occasionally throw at 100+ mph. and regularly at 94-97 mph. Verlander doesn't get as many K's as you may expect, but he gets W's and doesn't allow many R's. Anything opposing hitters get off of him, they earn. Verlander tends to try and locate while bringing the heat. Verlander can almost at will crank it up to triple digits when he feels the need as to get out of a jam or get a little extra on a fastball that a hitter keeps fouling off. His inexperience and first time on the playoff stage could either pump him up or get him a little jittery. It is usually easy to tell what kind of night Verlander will have in the first couple innings. When he is on, he is on. His problem is that when he lacks the bigtime fastball, can't locate or allows more H's than usual, he can have a disaster outing. Verlander did experience some arm fatigue earlier in the season and this being the most IP he has ever thrown in his life could come back to bother him. For example, in his last 10 starts, Verlander has five starts allowing 3 ER or less with at least 5 IP. On the other hand, he also has five starts where he allowed at least 5 R's or double digit H's in no more than 6 IP. Verlander also gets wild on occasion as he BB's someone almost every game and can BB as many as 4-7 if he is really struggling. Which Verlander will we see? For the regular season, Verlander went an impressive 17-9 3.63 ERA only 124 K's but a high 60 BB. This will be his second meeting against the Yankees this season. He did not fare too well the first time as he is 0-0 10.80 ERA. This is obviously Verlander's first meeting against the Yankees in the playoff series and first playoff outing.

The key hitter for the Yankees will be Jason Giambi. No Yankee hitter has more than three career AB against Verlander. Giambi, in limited exposure has liked what he has seen as he hits .667 (2-3) HR RBI. I hope the team BAA Verlander of .350 from the one and only matchup can stay the same!

The key out for Mussina will be Magglio Ordonez. Ordonez, always a threat, hits Moose well. He hits .286 HR 7 RBI 2 2B 4 BB. The BA is not great but the power and RBI's really stand out. Overall, the Tigers hit Mussina to the tune of .236. Many of the hitters don't even have nine career AB against Mussina as the team is much younger than in years past. Mussina must also be careful with potentially deadly hitters Ivan Rodriguez, Matt Stairs, Craig Monroe, Marcus Thames and Sean Casey to name just a few. They may not have the biggest names around, but they are a true team.

I sure hope that the Yankees can W this game and that they will have earned a W from the first game too. A game one W for Mussina would be huge as he would have a lot less pressure on him and maybe be able to throw more freely and effectively. At any rate, we all know Mussina has risin to the challenge in the past and I think he is ready and able to do it again!

[Shelley935]

Mooserulz
Hall-of-Famer
Posts: 5127
(10/2/06 9:26 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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Mike's first win against the Tigers was impressive. I hope he can do it again!

If Verlander gets as wild and gives up as many walks as he has in the regular season, he could really get into trouble. The Yankees lineup is one of the most patient at the plate in all of baseball. That could be lethal for Verlander.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that the Moose is loose!

[Shelley935]

Knucklecurve35
Media Police
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(10/2/06 10:26 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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I'm hoping that pitching in Yankee Stadium for his first post season start will keep Verlander a little nervous long enough for the offense to get to him early. I'd also like to see some base stealing and bunting to disrupt his rhythm and concentration. This is one very impressive rookie!

As for Mike, just keep pumping those first pitch strikes! If he can pick up where he left off Friday night, we've got a good shot at Game 2.

[Shelley935]

Shelley935
~ ML35 Owner and Caretaker ~
Posts: 23820
(10/2/06 12:43 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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I'm hoping that pitching in Yankee Stadium for his first post season start will keep Verlander a little nervous long enough for the offense to get to him early.
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Ditto!

The Tigers have really stumbled at the end of the season. I'm hoping that the stumbling continues...and that they stumble right out of the postseason.

[Shelley935]

michelle2006
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Posts: 322
(10/2/06 6:45 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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I AM PUMPED! GO MOOOOSE, Go Yankees!!!!!

[Shelley935]

witzers
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(10/4/06 1:50 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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Here's a link to Mike's pregame interview. Notice the number of times that "(Laughter)" is included in the transcript after something he says. Shocking.

interview

What I'm hoping for tonight:
(1) Mike to have his good control
(2) Enough run support
(3) No errors behind him

Is that asking for too much?

[Shelley935]

mfmussfan
Long live the Evil Empire 35
Posts: 3729
(10/4/06 3:47 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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GOOD LUCK MOOSE!!!!!! Hope for quality and Win. Glad to hear Moose is ready. GO MOOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Witzers, I think you are asking for just enough.

[Shelley935]

michelle2006
MVP
Posts: 324
(10/4/06 5:40 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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He seems very upbeat, comfortable, and happy. He's in a good place right now, hopefully he'll be in the zone tonight.

GO MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!!!!!!!

[Shelley935]

Shelley935
~ ML35 Owner and Caretaker ~
Posts: 23843
(10/4/06 8:58 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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RAIN!!!!!!!

[Shelley935]

Mooserulz
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(10/5/06 11:06 am)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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The strange thing was that it was hardly raining at all. They could have played the game. I know they didn't want to risk any injuries, but it is frustrating nonetheless.

I wonder if this will be a disruption to Mike's pitching? I'm glad he can still pitch, but it's been pointed out before that Mike does not handle disruptions to his schedule well. I hope that he still feels ready to go.

The Tigers were annoyed by the way the delay was handled. Apparently the Yankees knew that the game was going to be called, but the Tigers had started to warm up on the field. The Yankees had already started to dress and go home.

[Shelley935]

mfmussfan
Long live the Evil Empire 35
Posts: 3734
(10/5/06 12:48 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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Watching ESPN last night ,so not to miss the start of the game, I started playing the drinking game. Every time some one would mention how old Moose is I took a drink. I have not drank that much tea since finals week in college.

I then turned to CNN and Larry king had his political roundtable on discussing the congress sex scandel they also discused whether Moose being so old caused rain in NY. C Span had a congressman reading in the record that Moose is 37 and it was raining in NY. The weather channel had a news scroll on the bottom that Moose is getting older by the min. The Cartoon channel had a special Roger Clemens tribute- Athletes who have become a caricatures. I can't wait for tonight David Wells show today: "Big or just Big mouth?".

Now back to regular programing. GGOOD LUCK today MOOSE!!!!!!!!!!

[Shelley935]

Knucklecurve35
Media Police
Posts: 17635
(10/5/06 4:36 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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I wonder if this will be a disruption to Mike's pitching? I'm glad he can still pitch, but it's been pointed out before that Mike does not handle disruptions to his schedule well. I hope that he still feels ready to go.
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Yes, it will and it was. He does not pitch well during the afternoon on weekdays. As soon as I heard the game was re-scheduled, I knew it would mean trouble.

I was home today, due to a car accident yesterday on the way home. If that isn't an omen, I don't know what is. The whole team looked LOST.....men left on base, Mike with some weird pitches and couldn't hold a lead....Zumaya throwing 150 mph.....my God. Two wrecks in 2 days. The good part is, I already had a headache, so I don't feel the one I added on to it.

[Shelley935]

Shelley935
~ ML35 Owner and Caretaker ~
Posts: 23844
(10/5/06 6:43 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Wed. 4th, 8:00 ET) *Giambi/Ordone
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That pretty much sums it up.

And I, too, thought the worst when I heard that the game had been rescheduled for this afternoon. If the game had been rescheduled for tonight, I doubt that Mike would have had as much of a problem. But weekday games have always been a problem for him.

[Shelley935]

Mike Mussina 35
#1 Scout
Posts: 493
(10/5/06 7:35 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Thurs. 5th, 1:09 ET) *Giambi/Ordo
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The New York Yankees lost 4-3 to the Detroit Tigers in game two of the American League Division Series, resulting in the series being even at 1-1. It was a game of missed opportunities by the Yankees who really should have won the game with ease. Mike was hurt by his mistakes but overall had good stuff and a good enough outing for better and more deserving positive results. It was a very frustrating game for me to watch as the Yankees could have blown the game wide open but they didn't but they did get a lead that was slowly but surely filed away to nothing. This could be a major L for the Yankees, and the Tigers getting by Mussina was big.

Moose started off in the top of the 1st inning on fire. He struck out the side. In the bottom of the inning, the Yankees had their first big scoring chance of the game that they failed to capitalize on. Johnny Damon lead off with a single. Derek Jeter, in a strange decision to bunt and move the runner over, had a pop out bunt to catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Bobby Abreu followed with a patient BB. Gary Sheffield then K'd. Justin Verlander's wildness continued as he gave another free pass BB to Jason Giambi to load the bases for none other than Alex Ridriguez. Rodriguez's bad day started here as he K'd to leave the runners stranded.

In the top of the 2nd inning, the Tigers broke the tie. With two outs, and Moose seemingly in control, he allowed a Craig Monroe 2B to left. Marcus Thames then got up and hit a weak broken bat single into shallow center field to score the R and make it 1-0 Detroit. The R seemed to score out of nowhere and in the blink of an eye. Oh, how quickly things can happen. No more damage was done as Brandon Inge K'd to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning the Yankees had another prime opportunity. Hideki Matsui started with a single. Verlander, seemingly trying to hand the Yankees a free R or two BB'd Jorge Posada. Robinson Cano then grounded out to third base for the force out at third. Damon then flied out to center field and Jeter grounded out to shortstop to end the inning with more runners stranded.

The Yankees came up big in the bottom of the 4th inning. With one out, Matsui singled. Posada then BB'd again and another free pass was issued by Verlander in a tough spot. Cano followed by flying out to left field. Damon then got up and hammered the Verlander pitch high and deep into the upper deck of the right field seats to give the Yankees a huge lift and 3-1 lead. What a clutch and much needed H. At this point, I was excited as the lead was in the Yankees hands and Moose was pitching very well. I had big expectations that were quickly turned into disappointments. The Yankees seemed to want to add on to the lead as Jeter followed with a 2B. Abreu could not drive in the R as he grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Tigers wasted no time started their comeback in the top of the 5th inning. Thames hit a quick 2B to left to lead off. He advanced to third base after a Moose WP, setting up a SAC fly chance instead of a regular RBI chance. Moose then got Inge to K. Curtis Granderson then hit a SAC fly to centerfield to score the R and make it a close 3-2 game. It is frustrating because Granderson had terrible swings against Moose earlier in the game and I was hoping for a K. Placido Polanco followed with single. The innning was over after a Sean Casey pop out to third base.

More bad results in the top of the 6th inning, where the lead vanished. With one out, Carlos Guillen hit a laser shot to right field for a solo HR and to tie the game at 3-3. Moose had two strikes on Guillen and Posada wanted a high and in fastball. Unfortunately, Moose missed his spot quite badly and left the ball not high enough and right down the heart of the plate. Still, the game was only tied. There was no more scoring in the inning.

The tie ended in the top of the 7th inning. Moose came back out for more battle and left the inning in the hole. Thames got to Mussina once again by hitting a leadoff single to left. Thames advanced to second after a Posada BP. Inge then layed down a SAC bunt back to Moose to advance the runner to third base. Granderson then followed with an RBI 3B to left center to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead. This too was frustrating as it was Granderson, the K king hitting and Mussina had an 0-2 count on him. I absolutely have no tolerance for 0-2 hits allowed. It cost Mussina dearly. Moose still had a jam on his hands as Granderson was on third base with one out. The runner on base was potentially game making or breaking. Mussina did well and kept his composure as Polanco lined out to A-Rod at third and Casey ended the inning with a fly out to center, leaving the runner stranded.

All was very quiet until the bottom of the 9th inning. Moose was done after the 7th and Verlander exited even earlier in the middle of the 6th inning. The Yankees did nothing against the Tigers bullpen and the Yankees relief group kept the Tigers under wraps. Matsui started the inning off right with a single off closer Todd Jones. Posada then K'd, Cano flied out and Damon flied out to center to end the game at 4-3.

Mike Mussina was not bad at all in this game. Yes, there were some definite negatives, but he clearly outdueled Verlander, should have W and his hitters let him down once again. Mussina allowed some timely H's, failed to put a few hitters away with two strikes and made a few pitch mistakes but nobody is perfect. Take away one R and it is tied. I think any pitcher around hopes to shut a team out in the playoffs which would have prodeced a W, but most pitchers would like their chances with the lineup they have if they could go 7 IP with 4 R allowed. Moose did not allow any free passes, had generally good location, good bite on his offspeed pitches and he battled as long as he could. He was again hurt by the Yankees offensive shutdown after the 4th inning. They failed to score again and actually scored in only one inning of the game. That is the problem. Also, it looks like A-Rod is back in his funk as he was 0-4 with the hat trick of 3 K's and he left the bases loaded. I did not at all appreciate the fans booing him though. It is the playoffs and full unconditional support is needed no matter what at this time! Anyway, Moose went a relatively good 7 IP 8 H 4 ER 0 BB 5 K and 93 pitches for the L. I hated to see Moose get stuck like he did in this one.

Justin Verlander was not at all great in this outing. He could have been pounded and ran out of the game as easily as he survived. He issued several deadly BB's in dangerous situations but the Yankees could not capitalize. He had the blazing 101 mph. fastball when needed, but look at all the H's, BB's and baserunners he had on base. I give him credit for hanging tough and finding a way to get outs, but I blame the Yanks more than I praise Verlander. It was clearly not Verlander at his best, but he did enough to get the team a W. He was so close to bigtime failure but escaped a disaster. Verlander also had a short outing despite a high pitch count. Verlander ended up going 5 1/3 IP 7 H 3 ER 4 BB 5 K and 106 pitches for the no decision. His relief crew of Jamie Walker, the amazing 103 mph. man Joel Zumaya and Jones deserve bigtime praise.

As for Jason Giambi he was a cold 0-3 BB. The Yankees key hitter was without a doubt Johnny Damon. Damon drove in all the Yankees R's with his go ahead HR. He went a nice 2-5 HR 3 RBI R.

As for Magglio Ordonez he too was a cold 0-3 BB. The Tigers key hitter was Marcus Thames. Thames really got to Moose and was on base and driving in R's at key times of the game. He nearly had a perfect day at the plate. He was a strong 3-4 RBI 2B 2 R.

This game is one that I hope the Yankees can just shake off and move on. The series is still only tied so it is a toss up at this point. It was a big game as Mussina could have given the Yanks a commanding and likely winning 2-0 series lead with a free game coming up. Instead, the Tigers beat Mussina and are now facing pitchers with big quiestion marks for the Yankees in Randy Johnson and Jaret Wright. I'm going to remain confident and say that we will be seeing Moose again in the next series!

[Shelley935]

michelle2006
MVP
Posts: 327
(10/5/06 7:51 pm)
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Re: Mussina vs. Verlander (Thurs. 5th, 1:09 ET) *Giambi/Ordo
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Mike's pitches were hanging at time, and the Tigers made him pay.

I want A-Rod off the team.....I want him to leave for the playoffs and come back next year if he has to. Are you kidding me Alex, 0-4, 3k's? In the playoffs for gosh's sake!!!!???!?! I'd rather have Melky in there, he has had so many clutch hits for us.