In a season where quite a few players and the team as a whole underperformed expectations, there was one guy who surpassed all expectations and he took the mound today trying for win #20 (and #270 of his career). Suffice it to say that he was every bit as brilliant today as he had been all season and became the oldest first-time 20-game winner in Major League history.

On a rainy, overcast day in Boston, Mike Mussina, in what he admits might have been the final start of his career, was sharp over 6 solid, scoreless innings, walking 2 and striking out 3 in the process. His only real test was in the fourth when with two men on and no one out, he got Kevin Youkilis to fly out before coaxing a double play ball from J.D. Drew to get out of the inning.

The Yankees hitters did their part for Moose, putting him up 3-0 in the fourth when Xavier Nady popped his 25th home run of the season just over the outstretched glove of J.D. Drew. Mussina left the game with that score intact, turning the game over to the Yankee bullpen and while Boston scored twice in the eighth inning off Joba Chamberlain, Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte, the Yanks scored a few insurance runs in the top of the ninth and Mariano was able to come in and slam the door.

Congrats to Moose for a great season and if you decide to keep pitching, know that this Yankee fan would be more than happy to see you in the Yankee clubhouse doing crosswords for a couple more years...