« Bill James - "Jeter Vs. Everett" | Main | Damon For Rolen? »
November 05, 2007
Pettitte Declines Player Option For '08
From the AP -
Andy Pettitte declined his $16 million option with the Yankees, still uncertain whether he wants to pitch next season.
"I have spoken with Brian Cashman, who has reiterated what Hank Steinbrenner said about the Yankees wanting to give Andy all the time he needs to decide about next season," Pettitte's agent, Randy Hendricks, said yesterday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Accordingly, we are declining to exercise the option for 2008 and Andy will declare free agency in order to free up a roster spot for the Yankees.
"If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement. He appreciates the Yankees' willingness to give him the time he feels he needs. I do not expect him to make a decision for quite some time."
So, my aforementioned fears come true.
Pettitte's 34 starts and 215 innings pitched will be missed in Yankeeland, if he does decide to stay "retired." But, more so, his leadership will be missed too. Andy really "pitched" well this year - he used his change up very effectively and also induced a lot of double plays. Sure, he had great run support in 2007. But, he also crafted many, many, quality starts for the Yankees last year.
If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement.
When I read that, it tells me this has nothing to do with money or concern over what's happening with the Yankees. It's all about Andy not being sure if he wants to play in 2008.
"I know it's difficult maybe for people to understand. I'm just not sure if I want to play, so I'm just trying to take some time back. Obviously, for me to feel that way, I have some serious burnout. I know I'm young. I realize I'm young. Just right now, I don't know exactly what I want to do."
No, that's not Andy Pettitte speaking now (above) - that was Andy's feelings last year at this time. And, one month after that, he signed with the Yankees.
So, maybe this is just another case of Pettitte needing time to decide if he wants to play again? As Yankees fans, let's hope that's it.
But, to be honest, I don't have a great feeling about the chances of him deciding to play in 2008. If he's unsure now - which he is - what can possibly change his mind over the next couple of months?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at November 5, 2007 11:19 PM
Comments
Maybe he needs more time to talk it over with his wife? (Though she'd probably administer a dope slap "Its freakin' $16 million, you moron").
Or maybe he's just tired from the grind of the season, and he needs time to heal up, and forget about the grind and get the competative juices flowing again.
Please come back Andy.
Posted by: rbj ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 6, 2007 08:28 AM
I would say that Andy seems like he is not coming back.That quote about Girardi doing a good job for" them" was very ominous.Which is bad for the team because he pitched so decently this year.Is there someway that Girardi can talk to him to come back?I dunno but the staff is decent as is and would be bolstered considerably by Andy's presence.
Posted by: butchie22 at November 6, 2007 09:06 AM
clemens and pettite were so close, maybe clemens told him to do what he does and wait till may to come back
Posted by: Corey at November 6, 2007 11:03 AM
I'm really surprised Andy turned down the option. I assumed that unless his elbow was hanging off, he was going to come back next year. The fact that he needs more time obviously says he's leaning toward retirement.
Losing Andy would be a huge, huge blow to the pitching staff -- they literally NEED him to be the glue that holds it together. If he's gone, the rotation might actually be Wang, Hughes, Joba, Mussina, Kennedy. I don't think Mussina's at a point in his career where he can be that stable force in a rotation. Andy showed last year he's still good, and his playoff start is all the evidence you need of why you bring a guy like that back at all costs.
Posted by: baileywalk at November 6, 2007 12:40 PM
This is just one of the fall-outs of not having Joe Torre as mgr. A call from him would've meant a lot to Andy.
Posted by: redbug at November 6, 2007 05:42 PM