Mussina vs. Lowe - Player Comparison

I've always felt that Mike Mussina was a bit overvalued (OK maye more than a bit). Lets take a look at how Mussina has done against Derek Lowe since Lowe became a full-time starter four season's ago.

Lowe - 125 GS/ 60-39/ 772 IP/ 352 ER/ 4.10 ERA

Mussina - 117 GS/ 59-34/ 759 IP/ 333 ER/ 3.95 ERA

I'm not saying that Lowe is a better pitcher (in fact Mussina is better) but Mussina will cost the Yankees $19 million this season and next. Lowe will make an average of $9 million for this season and the next three and is a bargain compared to Mussina. Some people have speculated that Lowe woud not be able to handle the pressure of playing in New York. I don't agree - I think he'd be Lennie Dykstra type oblivious.

Defenders of Mussina will point out that he's been clutch in the playoffs but his playoff ERA is no better than Lowes (3.16 to Lowe's 3.05). Detractor's of Mussina will point out that he's never had a 20-win season and finished in the top 3 in the Cy Young only once. Lowe also has a top 3 Cy Young finish but he's also got a 20-win season.

Over-rated thy name is Mike Mussina.