Offer Still Stands, But Yanks Ready To Go With Hughes

Last night I asked you guys who you thought should be the Yankees fifth starter. So far Andy Pettitte is out to an early lead in the poll to the left. Here's an update on the Pettitte story.

From Anthony McCarron:

Before the Yankees signed Mark Teixeira, they told Andy Pettitte's camp that the pitcher's chances of rejoining the Bombers would be in jeopardy if they signed another big free agent. Now that the Yanks have landed their new first baseman, the odds of Pettitte being a Yankee next year are "55-45 against," according to a baseball official familiar with the Yanks' plans.

Instead, the official said, the Yankees may turn to Phil Hughes, who blew his chance in the rotation last year because of a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness, as a starter behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. Hughes is still considered one of the Yankees' best young players, and many in the organization are eager for him to have another shot.

"It's less likely" that Pettitte returns, the official said on condition of anonymity. "Most (Yankee executives) are thinking of another direction."

Still, the door is not closed on Pettitte, and there likely won't be any permanent decision by the Yankees on his future until the new year. A one-year, $10 million offer from the Yanks is still in effect.

I really don't understand what Pettitte is waiting for. I get that he doesn't want a pay cut - who does? - but he's not going to get much more from another team. And for a couple million dollars less isn't it worth it to play where you want? Unless he's considering retirement he should pick up a phone, call Brian Cashman, and tell him he wants to sign.

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