Just look at Kevin Brown. Short of Mayor Rudy Giuliani putting up small-town flea markets and corner stores in the Bronx, there's no better formula for Mussina to fit in as the next great pitcher to don pinstripes. He is a fearless and fierce competitor in direct contrast to Moose, 32. You might as well rename him Mouse for all his gutlessness. As Mussina expressed fears of playing in New York, Hampton embraced the challenge.
Pressure is nothing to Hampton now.
Whenever he gets mad he even knows enough to pound the Gatorade cooler with his non-pitching hand. Mussina, who has never been to a World Series, wants nothing less than the protection of the three-time defending champion Yankees with a staff of superstar arms. As Mussina signs with the Yankees because he doesn't want to be an only ace, Hampton would have nothing less than being a sole No. 1. Losing out to the rival Yankees for Mussina's services might be a blessing in disguise for the Mets. Now they will step up and sign the one true ace pitcher on the free-agent market.