After two devastating losses earlier this week to the Orioles under the pitching leadership of Rasner and Hawkins, Pettitte and Mussina redeemed their team, inspiring hope to their New York ticket buying fans. Pettitte led the Yankees to a a 4-2 win over the Orioles on Wednesday. And Mussina helped boost the Yankees into a 6-5 win over the Twins on Friday.

Pettitte was well matched against the Baltimore. He has a 23-6 career record against the Orioles, which turned out to be exactly what the Yankees needed in a series that left them down 2 games. He only allowed two runs through his six innings.

Pettitte made a game winning play against Brian Roberts. After his third hit of the night, a one-out double, Roberts was eying third base. While pitching to Melvin Mora, Pettitte shot the ball to second, catching the runner off base and out.

Mussina is proving himself a valuable starter this year with 8 wins. What’s impressive about Mussina is his ability to not get rattled by early errors. Everyone makes mistakes. But great players learn to shake it off and come back tough.

He showed this skill Friday against the Twin.  Allowing a major rally by Minnesota in the beginning of the game, he changed up his strategy and held the Twins scoreless for 5 innings.  This allowed his teammates, led by Bobby Abreu to score 6 runs, winning the game.

Although it can be frustrating for those who’ve bought NY Yankee tickets if they can’t see their favorite player due to a minor injury, you’ve got to give the franchise credit for playing it safe with their team members. Such was the case with Andy Pettitte.

He was scratched from the lineup because of soreness on the outer part of his elbow. They defined it as tendonitis, but also classified it as a minor concern. Mark Feinsand of the Daily News quoted Pettitte as saying:

“You all know how it is; they’re extremely cautious here. I guess it’s a good thing. If you want to pitch, it’s kind of aggravating. I understand. They don’t want me to aggravate it any more. It’s spring training.”

Indeed, it is spring training, a gloried practice session. No need to overwork him if there’s the slightest risk of continued injury.

Pettitte underwent surgery in August 2004, repairing a torn flexor tendon. This problem is in a different part of the arm—the outside of his elbow. In other words, it’s far less of a concern for the player. And it’s far less of a concern for a team that wants all of their good players healthy for what could be a great season.