Pettitte Declines Option!!

[love_that_reefer]

Andy Pettitte declined his $16 million option with the New York 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 Monday 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."

The 35-year-old left-hander went 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA for the Yankees this year, including 11-3 after the All-Star break. He was their most effective starter in the postseason, pitching 6 1-3 scoreless innings in Game 2 of New York's first-round loss to Cleveland.

Pettitte had until Wednesday to decide on his option, part of the contract he agreed to last December when he returned to the Yankees after three seasons with his hometown Houston Astros. That deal paid him a $16 million salary this year.

Last month, he said he wasn't sure whether he would play again, saying he had to relax and discuss the matter with his family.

"I wouldn't have ever imagined my arm feeling as good as it has," he said. "I'm just very, very blessed, feel very blessed that my arm has held up and I felt strong all year. I haven't had any problems with my elbow this year."

New York is in a state of flux. Manager Joe Torre left after 12 seasons when the team offered him a paycut, and third baseman Alex Rodriguez chose to terminate his record $252 million, 10-year contract with three seasons remaining and become a free agent. The Yankees have said they won't negotiate with A-Rod now that he's opted out.

New York is attempting to re-sign closer Mariano Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada, who both became free agents.

Without Pettitte, new Yankees manager Joe Girardi would have a projected starting rotation that includes 19-game winner Chien-Ming Wang, who lost twice to Cleveland in the playoffs; Mike Mussina, who will be 39 next month; and youngsters Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy.

It looks like it might be retirement for Pettitte. I don't think he would follow Torre to LA who would be a better option over David Wells or Randy Wolf who have been rumored to stay in LA. If he doesn't resign with the Yankees, that is an ugly rotation for next year. I wonder if he thinks he can get more than $16 mil?

[General]

In my mind, the only ugly spot is Mussina.

[love_that_reefer]

You honestly think Hughes, Chaberlain and Kennedy can last a whole season at a high enough level to win anything?

[General]

I'd rather lose with them than win with the likes of, say, Bartolo Colon or Livan Hernandez. Not that you would win with them anyway, but that's inconsequential.

[BuckFoston]

Holy **** mother ****er...

[mntwinsfan]

I like the mantle sig. I will say this though on Andy, to me he will be a Dodger at spring training. I do believe Torre will get him there.

[nyjunc]

Just b/c Andy declined his option doesn't mean he won't be back, he just needs more time to figure out of he wants to pitch again. if he decides he does they'll give him another year a that amount. This doesn't mean the end of And YET, it could if he decideds to retire but it was not shocking he declined the option.

[bwitty24]

Assuming that Pettite and his agent stick to their word which I am sure they will, he won't be playing for another team next year. It's not like he pulled an arod here and decided he can get better money elsewhere.

This is a stand up move by a stand up guy. If he wants to play I am sure he will be a Yankee. Also, I highly doubt that mntwinsfan's prediction is remotely close to being correct.

[Veovis]

Andy isn't getting lured to LA. No way. He'll stick to his word. Next year he will be a Yankee, or he will be rustling cattle... or whatever those Texans do for fun...

[mntwinsfan]

Well Torre wants Arod and if Arod is in Dodgers blue there will be more Yankees players going there. Santana may be a Dodger as well. If thats the case we will have a team that will be a contender for along time. All our team needs will be filled.

But again with the loss of Torre I expect alot of Yankee players to leave.

[Saber]

I expect Pettite declined his option in favor of a guaranteed 2 year deal.

[perforatededge54]

I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

[browntown653]

If you listen to Andy, and he's an honorable guy, it's the Yankees or retirement. I don't believe it will be any other way.