Mussina - goodbye to a good guy

After the 2008 season Mussina retired. He completed a Hall of Fame career with the Orioles and Yankees. In 2008 he finally won 20 games for the first time in his career, prior to that he kept falling short of accomplishments like 20 wins, no-hitters, and a World Championship.

Throughout his career with the Yankees he was consistant and reliable. He rarely missed games and was a competitor. It wasn't his fault the Yankees didn't win a World Championship while he was there.

Mussina was one of the good guys in baseball. He didn't get involved in the drug scandals like Clemens, Pettitte, and others. As a Stanford graduate he was one of the smarter guys in baseball. Maybe that is why he retired instead of sticking around a couple of more years.

He didn't care about his stats, otherwise he would be playing a few more years to reach 300 wins. The 300 win mark is becoming virtually impossible to reach these days as a result of the 5 man rotation and pitch counts causing starters to be pulled early. Mussina gave up a lot of money by not coming back. Today it seems like it is all about the money for most players.

Mussina will be missed.

Swisher and Nady

It is stupid to even discuss trading Swisher or Nady. Nady is the perfect corner outfielder for this team. He is good defensively--good arm and good speed (not afraid of the wall like Abreu). A proven New York performer, he was here with the Mets and proved he could come through in clutch situations for the Yankees. Nady is also great in the clubhouse.

Swisher is 28 and entering his prime. He has consistantly had a great OBP and is a switch hitter with power. He has proved he can play all of the outfield positions and can back up at 1st base. Swisher is a great addition to the clubhouse--an Ohio State graduate so he is a bright guy.

Who is the rocket scientist that says Damon can't play center? When they signed him they knew he didn't have an arm. Melky and his .240 batting average is too much of a liability. Gardner still hasn't proved he can play everyday and right now would be good for coming off the bench.

Damon and Matsui have had stints on the disabled list and they are not getting any younger. I would feel more comfortable relying on Swisher or Nady to play extended innings than Melky or Gardner. Both Nady and Swisher have played center field and can back up Damon.

What would the Yankees get in return for either of these guys? The bullpen is set, they'll never get a pitcher better than Hughes in return for these players, and there is no room in the infield or behind the plate. The Yankees would also have to pay a portion of their salaries if they trade them. There are so many free agent outfielders available, the need to trade for Nady or Swisher is minimal.

Can anyone enlighten me with the logic of trading Nady or Swisher? Am I missing something?