The wait may be coming to an end, as the Yankees are expecting a decision to come from Andy Pettitte, as early as this week perhaps, on whether or not the veteran lefty wants to pitch in 2013.
Pettitte, 40, returned to the Yankees last season after being retired for all of 2010. He picked up right where he left off, going 5-4 with a 2.87 era in 75 innings pitched. He was sidelined for about two months after a line-drive broke his leg, but returned late in September to help the Yankees make it all the way to the ALCS.
It’s been speculated that it’s Yankees or bust for Pettitte, meaning that he’ll don the pinstripes or retire. Since he showed he still had a lot left in the tank this past season, many think he’ll decide to return for a full season. According to the New York Daily News, Pettitte has begun his training regiment to see if his body responds well enough. He said at season’s end he would like to make a decision within a month.
With the Winter Meetings set to begin in a week from now, and GM Brian Cashman set to hopefully make some moves, Pettitte may feel the need to come forward with a decision soon so that he doesn’t hold the Yankees’ plans up. With Hiroki Kuroda already checked off the wish-list, many within the Yankees organization are predicting that Pettitte will return for one final go-around and a shot at a sixth championship ring.
Pettitte’s contract last year was only for $2.5 million. He would definitely want more than that if he returns, and the Yankees would no doubt be willing to give him a raise. With Pettitte in the fold, the Yankees rotation would be very formidable with Kuroda and CC Sabathia ahead of him.
Although Pettitte will be 41 next June, don’t expect him to end his career after throwing just 75 innings during his comeback season. He’s been quoted as saying he still has the desire to compete, so the Yankees and their fans hope that “the stare” will be back on the mound for 2013.
