The biggest wildcard next year - Mike Mussina

[cmaff051]

Now that Arod is gone, the Yankees will have a big hole in their lineup. They will not score as many runs as they have in their previous years with Arod. Thus, it is very important that we get good pitching.

We know what we are going to get from Wang and Pettitte. Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy are very big question marks. None of them have ever pitched 200 innings before.

To me, how Mike Mussina performs in 2008 will determine whether or not we make the playoffs. We can't get another mediocre year from Mussina. We need another Mussina-like year in 2008 if we want to have a chance to make the playoffs.

If Mussina gives us a decent year next year, we don't have to rely on Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy so much. I like our chances if that's the case.

(of course, this is all pending we don't sign a free agent starter. I highly doubt we do).

[kNiCk_PriDe]

I agree... Look to see Chamberlain get babyed in the rotation like Hughes did this year. I'm pretty sure theyre gonna keep Chamberlain on a pitch count; expecially in the first half of the season. Him being in the bullpen last year doesnt help that cause. Look for Phillip Hughes to lose his leash. He might have it early on, but its gonna get taken off as the season progresses. His performance is gonna hav alot to do with this. Kennedy is a question mark. Let's see how he comes along. We all know what to expect from Pettite and Wang. The dark horse is Mussina. I think its very important to get the Mussina of old and not the one from last year. It would really help our cause. I dont wanna give up alot of youth for a top of the line starter via trade. I'm hoping to ride this season out and get a big time pitcher next off season via free agency.