Yankees agree deal with Mussina
22 November, 2006
The New York Yankees have agreed terms that will see pitcher Mike Mussina sign a two year contract worth $23 million.
The 37-year-old right-hander joined the Yankees after the 2000 season when he signed a six-year deal worth $88.5 million.
Last week, the Yankees declined to take up a $17 million option on Massina after he completed the final year of his six-year deal.
Mussina went 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA in 32 starts this year for the Yankees who have Chien-Ming Wang, and the Big Unit Randy Johnson.as part of their rotation which includes baseball's greatest closer, Mariano Rivera.
The deal for Mussina comes as no surprise after the Boston Red Sox comprehensively won the bidding war for Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.
The 2004 World Series winners paid his Japanese team the Seibu Lions a whopping $51.11 million just for the exclusive negotiating rights for the Japanese ace.
Red Sox principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, president and CEO Larry Lucchino, general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona have all since met with the 26 year old right-hander.
The Boston Red Sox now have until Dec. 15 to get a deal done with Matsuzaka who picked up MVP honours on the way to leading Japan to victory at the inaugural World Baseball Classic last March.
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