Decision Time for Moose: The Bronx or Montoursville?
Word is that Mike Mussina will make his decision any day about whether to retire or return to the Yankees (assuming his free agent filing is just a formality). So what will he do? Sign up for another season or three in the Bronx or kick back in his quaint hometown of Montoursville, PA? Such a cliffhanger, isn’t it?
Let’s look at the decision from his perspective.
He could choose the grind of those long, long seasons on the road and the chance to win 300 games, insuring his HOF entry. OR he could choose to stay home. What would he actually do in Montoursville, population 5,000?
He could become a Montoursville counsel member and attend monthly meetings here.
Or he could go trout fishing here on Loyalsock Creek. Very “Andy Griffith Show,” isn’t it?
He could take his kids to Fun Land for some hay rides and miniature golf.
He could shoot hoops with fellow Montoursville celebrity Kelly Mazzante. (I know nothing about the WNBA, but supposedly she’s a star with the Phoenix Mercury.)
He could do a lot of shopping, because Montoursville has one of these.
If it’s his wife’s birthday, he could run over to the local florist, whose name is the improbable Wally Wentz, according to the chamber of commerce.
He could fly a little Cessna around, thanks to the local facility minutes from his house.
He could get in touch with his feminine side and stop by Our Gathering Place, where they carry over 4,000 bolts of fabric and make these.
And if he’s hungry? No problem. There’s the local family favorite.
They serve this and don’t ask me what it is. (It could be a deer burger. Seriously.)
Or he could mosey over to Montoursville’s own Family Wok Restaurant for some Chinese.
I’m sure I’m only scratching the surface of all the excitement Montoursville has to offer, but I know what I would do if I were in Moose’s spikes.
Confessions of a She-Fan 
The only thing I am sure is that the Mighty Moose did not give his vote to Gov. Palin.
Looks like Burnett has opted out of his contract with the Jays. I wish I could say ‘no’ to 24 million over 2 years.
I did drop a nacho on the floor the other day, 5 seconds wasn’t up, but I still said: ‘No. I’m opting out of this nacho for more nachos in the future.’ So, I kind of know how he feels not in the slightest.
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/
I’m not so sure about Moose and the Palin vote. Almost every ballplayer is Republican. They want to hang on to their money!
Yeah, you must be bummed about Burnett, Jeremy. But I keep reading how the Jays might go after Manny. Do you want the Manster in Toronto? He’d certainly give Doc some run support.
I really liked Burnett. Didn’t like how he was so oft injured for the first couple of years, but when he was on his game. Wow! Lights out. You could tell from the first couple of innings that he was going to be on his game, you see the ‘nasty stuff’ that he brings. He also has a cockiness which is awesome, gave the team an edge.
I like the idea of the Jays having the top front end pitching in the American League. Burnett and Halladay were good friends and they anchored the Jays in their strong second half last season.
The Manster would be great, I know he is one of the most feared hitters in the game and I appreciate you consoling me on this. I just really liked Burnett, and saw that he was turning a corner last year with a full season. Also, I don’t think that Manny will sign here, the frontrunner has to be the Dodgers.
Yikes, Jane, you really put a lot of thought into this one. I’d guess the Moose is feeling vindicated after last season’s poor start, so if Cashman offers another two-year deal at around $10 million, he’ll take it.
Steve T.
(heading to Montoursville for some Chinese food)
http://soxblog.mlblogs.com
I hear you on Burnett, Jeremy. I’d be very bummed to have him leave too, especially since you say he and Halladay were good friends. All I know is he was lights out against the Yankees. I went to all the games he pitched against us last season and he was brutal. You’re right – you could tell from the first couple of innings that he was “on.” Maybe you won’t get Manny and he’ll stay with the Dodgers, but I bet you’ll send up with a big bat and one of the good FA pitchers. Jays fans deserve that.
It was a slow day yesterday, Steve! LOL. But everybody’s already up on the news, so I try to find something different to write about. If I were Moose, I’d re-up with the Yankees. He seems to have made adjustments with all the different arm angles and changes of speed, so why not keep going like Jamie Moyer? But then the Yankees would have a decision: Do they sign both him and Pettitte? Not sure that’ll happen.
Pettitte would need to take a severe pay cut. He’s on the decline, but can still be effective. Maybe drop him from $16 to $12 million. Wish I could take a pay cut to “only” $12 million.
Steve T
http://soxblog.mlblogs.com
He says he’s healthy now and we can always use a lefty. I just don’t want the Yankees to sign him if it means not signing one of the big FA pitchers, like with Santana last year. And yeah, I’d take a measly $12 mill.
Just wanted to add my congratulations to Moose for winning a GOLD GLOVE! Now I know he’ll retire to Montoursville. How can he top 20 wins and some nice hardware?
He’s got seven of those puppies now. That’s a good amount of hardware, as those things don’t look too small.
Greg
Red Sox Ramblings: http://thevendahhh.mlblogs.com
Burnett teamed with CC would be very nice. Moose or Petitte would be a nice 4th, but noth both. We said last year we were going with youth, lets keep that going. This was a great post by the way, funny and true. Good luck with the book again Jane
You’re right about the hardware, Greg. Judging by the photo I just saw, that “glove” weighs more than I do. (O.K. I’m exaggerating.)
A.J. is awesome when he’s healthy and I know there aren’t any guarantees in life, Rad, but he’s a risk. Maybe CC/ Lowe is a better combo. Either way, I’ll be thrilled to get some strong new arms whoever they are. And yeah, Pettitte will be fine for the back end of the rotation, assuming Moose does retire. Thanks for your support for the book. I’m counting on you to buy one for yourself and one for your wife!
I think Pettite will be back next year, but I don’t think Moose will. Moose had a great season this year, but I’m not sure he can keep pitching that well for the three years he’s going to want to play for. I think Andy has at least one more good season in him, if he can stay healthy, and a lefty in Yankee Stadium (even the new one) would be more valuable.
Please never mention flying a Cessna to a Yankee fan who remembers 1979.