Yanks, Pettitte, Not Close To Deal

Since the World Series ended almost 3 weeks ago, there has been very little news regarding talks with free-agents Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, or Andy Pettitte on potential new deals. And today, GM Brian Cashman said that he does not expect to hear from Pettitte regarding his future anytime soon.

Andy had a great season this year, going 14-8 with a 4.16 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP in 32 starts with the Bombers in his 14th MLB season. But the way the process of negotiations have gone so far, it may be possible that Pettitte is leaning towards hanging 'em up and going out in style.

"I thought Andy was real important to our success," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Monday. "Any time you lose a starting pitcher that gives you 200 innings, that's a hole."

Re-signing Andy Pettitte for next season is key, because then if he does retire, that forces you to go out and sign another pitcher like John Lackey or trade for Roy Halladay. And god for bid the Yanks are unable to get either of them, that would leave just CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett as the only returning pitchers from the rotation that brought a 27th World Championship to the Bronx this fall.

Then you would also have to put either Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain in the rotation, plus a guy like Sergio Mitre or Chad Gaudin. And I know I'm kinda putting the worst-case scenario out there, but simply put - they really need to try to bring back Andy Pettitte.