Matt Aug - AHN Sports Editor
(AHN) - New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina will retire, according to at least two published reports.
The announcement, first reported on foxsports.com and to be made official later in the week, is not completely surprising as Mussina has been considering calling it quits for some time.
The 39-year-old is coming off the only 20-win season in his career and is a borderline Hall of Famer due to his 270-153 record and solid 3.68 ERA.
Mussina had a terrific 2008, going 20-9 with a 3.37 ERA and 150 strikeouts. He was just 11-10 the previous season with a lofty 5.15 ERA.
What could hurt his candidacy is his lack of "great" seasons, as Mussina struck out 200 or more batters just four times and won 19 games two other times.
Mussina's decision leaves a major gap in the Yanks starting rotation, as the team will lose its top returning pitcher and has not reached out to sign Andy Pettitte yet, either.
The Yanks are in the running to land top free agent starters CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, however, due to the organization's usual deep pockets.
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