Yankees vs. Blue Jays - April 2

The Yankees and Blue Jays go at again at the Stadium tonight at 7:05. Mike Mussina takes the hill for the Bombers while A.J. Burnett gets the call for the Blue Jays. It's only the second game of the season, but this is already a huge game for Mussina who is trying to prove to himself that he still has what it takes to pitch in the major leagues.

The 250-game winner begins his 18th season tonight. He's reached double figures in every single one of those previous 17 seasons except his rookie year. Last year Mussina had career worst numbers for ERA and opponent's batting average. But Moose felt healthy this spring and after a rough start, had a pretty solid exhibition campaign. The Yankees are looking for a consistent year out of him, especially with two kids in the starting rotation.

Burnett is under the gun too. He's in the 3rd year of a 5-year, $55 million contract that has seen him off the field as much as on. After setting career highs in starts and innings in his final season in Florida (2005), Burnett has averaged 23 starts his first 2 years north of the border. His G.M., J.P. Ricciardi, even took a shot at him last season (Ricciardi really should have been taking a shot at himself since he knew what he was paying for).

Burnett has very good numbers against the Yankees, going 3-2, 3.20 in 6 career starts. He's also held the Pinstripes to a .193 average. Individually, the Yankees hitters don't have much experience against the lanky righty, but those who had done well are:

Bobby Abreu .325 (11-40) 1 HR 8 RBI 11 BB
Derek Jeter .357 (5-14) 1 HR 2 RBI
Alex Rodriguez .357 (5-14) 2 HR 6 RBI
Jason Giambi .300 (3-10) 1 BB

On the flip side, Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera are a combined 2-23.

Mussina has faced the Blue Jays 42 times in his career, posting a 23-11, 3.76 mark. He's only faced the Red Sox more times than the team from Toronto. With the exception of catcher Greg Zaun (6-27, .222), Lyle Overbay (1-13) and Matt Stairs (.250, 8-32 ), this nest of Blue Jays has teed off on Moose, especially the Big Hurt.

Aaron Hill .313 (5-16)
Shannon Stewart .295 (18-61) 1 HR 8 RBI 5 BB
Frank Thomas .375 (30-80) 9 HR 21 RBI 13 BB
Vernon Wells .345 (19-55) 2 HR 8 RBI

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