Houston Astros manager Phil Garner spoke with Andy Pettitte last week and told reporters today that Pettitte is "very seriously interested" in playing next season. But when asked whether he was optimistic about Pettitte returning to Houston, Garner danced around the question. It seems as if a Pettitte return to pinstripes is gaining steam.
Pettitte's agent, Randy Hendricks, has all but promised a decision to come before Christmas, and the Astros are publicly pressuring him to decide sooner. "I think we all would like Pettitte to come back, but if there is some hesitation on his part or we’re not sure, and if there is an opportunity to strike with somebody who is capable of doing or pretty close, I think we’re going to have to weigh that," Garner said. "That’s our concern."
The Yankees, meanwhile, have no problem playing the waiting game.
Comments (58)
Bring him back !
Andy P works because I don't think he is not looking for a long term deal, maybe a 2 yr deal and then he will bail out. I am just concerned that he may not be an innings eater.
2.80 ERA afte the all-star break last year and pitched a lot of innings. This guy has a great work ethic and it will be nice to have him back. He's a good number 3 for us. The problem is, we have a lot of number 3's and no clear number 1. I like Wang, but I like him more in the 2 or 3 spot. C'mon home Andy, this is your real home. He and Gator will get along great as both are originally from Louisiana.
Not an innings eater? How is +200 last yr?
That not enough?
I like the idea of 3 lefties in the rotation to combat Boston's left handed hitters (Ortiz, Varitek, JD Drew? Crisp)
We don't need another starting pitcher who is over 30 and has a history of arm trouble. Say no to Pettitte, dump Pavano on the Rockies, and get our starting rotation younger and better. Andy's day has come and gone, Bernie's day has come and gone. Turn the page and let's get to work on another dynasty
Andy Pettite is a big game pitcher and a post season winner! I'll take a little of that for 2 years.
left handed pitching neutralizes boston's power bats. look how successful lilly was against them, and the Big Unit.
Big Unit??? Word has it there is a ball still flying beyond Boston harbor heading towards England that was hit off of Randy Johnson by a non roster hitter
George decides that he must do everything in a fashion opposite of that in which he would normally do things and he experiences good luck, moving out of his parents' house, landing a job with the New York Yankees baseball club, and finding a girlfriend.This is the first appearance of George Steinbrenner. This is also Steinbrenner's only appearance on the show's 5th season. Most of his appearances come from the 6th-8th season.
IF Pettite signs for two years, then we'll have him and Mussina until 2009. That gives us a nice cushion to work the kids in slowly. Hughes can step in next year after Johnson is gone, and then we can work in another couple for 2009.
So, if Pettite is in, the rotation would be: Wang, Pettite, Mussina, Igawa, and Johnson/kid.
Hahhahahaha...nice post, I like the Seinfeld reference, and the name, DotheoppositeCash!
Yes, that is the key to success ! Cashman must play "opposite George" and do the opposite of what The Boss would do. Cashman seems to be doing just that by protecting the handful of good young kids.
Remember both Pettitte and Mussina spent time on the DL last year. Both are starting to "break down" as the innings pile up. To improve this team we need to look ahead, not back.
That's funny but we can't argue with the success George has had. Nobody else has won 6 WS and appeared in 9 like the Yanks under George. Just think what it would be like to be a fan of say....any other team! Where you may win one WS and then have to wait forever for another. We're spoiled and I think we'll really miss George when he's totally out of the picture. Yes, he's frustrated the hell out of us at times, but he wants to win, at all costs, right or wrong, you have to admire his passion.
If Pettitte or Mussina break down for a while like last year, you work in Karstens, Rasner, Hughes or Sanchez while they are on the DL. With the addition of Pettitte, they will have the depth to do this type of thing, but they also have the age and injury history to give a kid a lot of work and time to prove himself. I still think it's a better idea than starting off the season with a rotation full of rookies and Wang.
I'm on the fence about Andy. I'm not sure he'd be as great the second time around. His numbers last year were not good even if he got hot in the second half. He also gave up a career high # of HRs. If Cash is looking for another lefty then why not Lilly?
I admire his passion, but there is a troubling trend during his tenure as owner. It goes: George takes over team --> Makes a bunch of moves, signs a bunch of stars --> potential for short-term success (at least Reggie and Catfish delivered) --> Team goes to hell --> George steps back and lets the baseball people do the baseball work --> Team gets better --> Team wins --> Team misses out on winning a World Series for (God forbid) 2 whole years --> George snaps and takes over team again --> Rinse, wash, repeat.
...Although then again, I can't say I mind the financial flexibility his perpetually deep pockets gives us. Can't we find a happy medium?
lets say this there was couple of yankees that george liked and signed who was;nt wanted By TORRE and co. George is a winner I feel to this day though his biggest mistake is with the Gene Michael Situation , If Stick was in charge now best beleive we would not have these issues. but like i said an non reponsive Boss is bad for the yanks , just like when he was suspended the team was terrible. he is part of the yankee lure beleive it or not he is
Correction: The Yanks have appeared in 10 WS under George.
Atticas: Your point is well made, but we could be like other teams and:
Step 1:Win a WS with young stars
Step 2: Lose them all to Free Agency
Step 3: Wait, 10-15 years and do it again.
I like George in July more than anything. When the Yanks are close,he'll do whatever it takes to give them the piece(s) they need to get better.
I think the old George is gone, as he advances in age he has lost a lot of that fire (literally and figuratively), but not the passion to do what he can to make fans happy. If the Yankees were run as a business, being the brand that they are, an owner could easily field a "decent" team, but not $200M worth, and sell out every game and sell Yankee hats all over the world. It would be easy money, but George does try to give back to the team, even though MLB has tried to stop him by banning him and imposing taxes aimed at him.
3 straight losing seasons and we'd be dying to have him back. Winning is something that is very easy to get used to.
Actually, I would argue that when he was suspended, that was the beginning of the rebuilding that led to the 90's dynasty. Keeping George away gave Stick control over the team, and let the team purge themselves from the Jessie Barfield / Dave Winfield et. al. contracts, and build the young talent that lead to those WS titles.
OYF
I would love to see Pettite AND Lilly come home!
atticas
If you don't like George, you need to come to Ohio and be an Indians fan. I know you'd love the owner here. Lose, Lose, Lose. Rinse, Wash, Repeat.
I think the happy medium is the fact that the Yanks can afford to be the leading entity in worldwide scouting and player development, and they seem to have good people in place right now. Cash has said that Stick Michael's input is very important.
Your points are well made, but you're missing my point. It's probably my fault for not articulating it well enough. I like Steinbrenner, in fact, he's a baseball fan's perfect owner in the way that he is willing to put money into the team and willing to put winning first. That being said, he's also extremely impatient and controlling. When he starts making moves and being his own GM, he has a penchant for making some moves and getting the team bogged down into some contracts that come back to hurt us. That's all I mean. Like Goldwater said in '64- let the generals run the wars, not the politicians.
I hated him every time he fired Billy Martin, but I wouldn't trade him for any other owner in MLB. And, the last few years his meddling has really disappeared.
You're right, Rick. I'd take him over almost any other owner. And yes, his meddling has subsided since 2004ish. Which I think is a good thing in the long run, and can be the "happy medium" I was hoping for.
I agree, and I did get your point Atticas, that's what I meant when I said he has frustrated the hell out of us at times (see: Mondesi, Raul)
but we are pretty lucky. I live in the Washington DC area now and they (The Redskins) have a young owner who is playing fantasy football with his team, and they have been terrible. Every season, fans get frustrated but every off season they love the guy because he goes out and gets the "name" free agent and they become "paper champions". George backing off either by choice or because of his health has been a good thing. Thus, we all agree.
Crashman better sign Hillenbrand pronto. Phillips is a career minor leaguer who didn't aven play 1st until 2 yrs ago. Also, sign a catcher who can catch twice a wk. Posada turns 36 mid-season. Catchers over 35 decline. Do not pay Meche/Lilly $40M over 4 yrs. That's lunacy! I'd rather "sacrifice" '07, and prepare for Hughes/Sanchez in late '07/'08
Oh yea, the Skins owner is a train wreck! That's always good news for all those Giants fans up here, at least.
Stick, is that you?
By sacrificing '07, you forfeit what could be one of the last few productive years from Mussina; Giambi; Damon; Matsui; Posada; R. Johnson (productive? we'll see); Mariano etc.
The Yanks just can't do that. They are trying to win now. I think they'll blow this thing up and start over when (gasp) Mariano retires.
Forfeit a yr?
This isnt a video game. This is real life and its all about winning.
These are proud athletes who take pride in putting on the pinstripes and winning. Whoever says forfeit a season to "get younger", "get draft picks" etc is delusional.
Nothing is guaranteed in sports. I guess you dont remember 1979 thru 1995.
Terry Francona's said " He believes the Redsox will not trade Manny" I Believed Manny will stay because Tom Verducci leaked credible source and information about Yankees will sign Petite to a two year deal. Does anyone know What numbers Manny have against southpaws and lefties? thanks
Jim A. go take a sedative and relax,no ones forfeiting the 2007 season.
Jon Heyman's of SI was on Michael kay' show. He says that Andy Phillips will be the Yankees first baseman and Hillenbrand would too cost money. The Yankees are being Cautious this offseason. He also says that 75% Andy will be a yankees next year. %30 per cent Zito will be a met and %5 Manny will be traded
Enough with the Hillenbrand requests! He is a poor defensive 1B, potentially a bad teammate, slow on the bases, unable to generate walks.
What can he give you that Phillips won't, other than a black eye?
By the way, not having a star name at every position is not forfeiting a season.
Actually, in many cases, it is good baseball.
No World Series winner since 1988 has won with an MVP on their team.
It is not all about superstars; it is pitching, good defense, and timely hitting.
Yankees could trade for Ryan Garko from Indians for prospects. The second option will be Yankees could draft positions players in Rule V Draft.
Yankees do not need Rule V position players. The rule is that the position player must remain on your 25 man roster all season, so no minor league shuttles.
Those available under Rule V are those players no protected on a team's 40-man roster. Generally not good prospects.
However, sometimes there are gems like Roberto Clemente and Johan Santana who came through Rule V.
There's talk of Pavano being dumped off to Colorado or St. Louis with the Yankees eating as little of his salary as possible. This would all come about with Andy Pettitte's return. Sounds great because anybody counting on Pavano being a factor in 2007 is kidding themselves.
That's what I'm talking about. Either pay part of his salary and get something in return, or just give him away for a bag of balls, but don't pay much of his salary.
Either way, I'm telling you that he will not be at our Spring Training. He is a goner, one way or the other, and it will be before ST.
Good one, Paul.
You are definitely one of the more knowledgable posters on this blog.
I was talking about the black eye comment.
Very funny.
Red Sox get Drew
Former Dodgers outfielder signs for five years, $70M
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/12/05/drew.redsox/index.html
Yes Haha! Redsox front Office's what a joke. First They let lo Damon last year and they go after Drew this year. I don't get it all
Rick,
I just don't see anybody taking Pavano off of our hands. The guy hasn't pitched since June 2005 and the Yanks won't pay a bulk of his salary for him to pitch for some other team.
Anyway, he's out here working out to get into shape for 2007.
Hey Guys; I do not feel that the Yankees are giving up the 2007 season with any of the moves made or probable moves except a trade of Arod. Andy Phillips could play firstbase all year with no rest and the Yanks could win 97 games again. If they win this amount we'll be division champs. What have the sox's or the Blue Jays done to make up the difference on 10 and 11 games. If the RedSox's trade Manny which is crazy their team is weakened. How could Kieth Law say the Yanks have the third best talent in the Al or AL East. Did we loss someone. We had 3.5 SP pitchers last year and won 97. Add Pettitte is not a quality number 3 starter. RJ can't fill the 4 hole. I believe we're in very good shape.
that Boston Lineup is looking scary and with the pitching addition hummmh ohh well.
Ruse,
Once again you failed to read the post correctly. My post about "forfeiting '07" as you say was in response to the post from Gene above mine. He said he wanted the Yanks to "sacrifice '07 and get younger", I then said it would not be wise to forfeit what could be one of the last few productive seasons of the guys I named, who are not getting any younger.
Try and read, and understand the posts before you crack wise.
How could Kieth Law say the Yanks have the third best talent in the Al or AL East?
The whole in AL East Division competely improved. New players such Matsuzaka, Thomas, Iwamura . Orioles also Improved their team adding Wright and Revamping their Bullpen. The Drays's young and gritty team. The yankees will have tough and fierce competition next year in Al East. Also The Yankees have to compete for against Redsox and Bluejays to Al east and playoffs.
Well, I think all the teams have "IF'S" but the Red Sox pitching staff looks pretty good, although they are entirely RH. They have to wonder if Papelbon will be a good starter, Schilling is still effective, Beckett can bounce back and Matsuzaka is all that we've heard he is. They've also got Wakefield who gives our hitters fits plus Lester appears to be getting healthy etc. Toronto has a nice lineup w/ Frank Thomas in it, but they need another starter or two. The O's need starting pitching as well, but they've improved as noted by Gregg. I wouldn't say the Yanks are third, I still think they will make the moves to get better (Pettitte?).
Why trade Pavano now?
May as well stick with him and see what he brings. Not like we dont need pitching.
I don't want any redsox fan ever complained the Yankees payroll again and spending . They spent alot this season. Winning Bid on Matsuzaka, and Giving Injury Prone J.d Drew to ludicrous five year deal. Going overseas just to acquired lefty specialist with Hideki Okajima. Next Plan, They will probably go after Lugo as well. Does anyone what's the Total of Redsox Payroll next year. I'm Glad and happy to be a Yankees fan that Yankees and Cashman trimmed payroll. Trading Sheff and Jaret Wright to bolster yankees farm system. I think The Redsox Payroll will be somewhere between $148- $150 Million. The New Cba Agreement and Revenues in baseball did increased dramatically. Lastly, The Luxury Tax.
Did you hear about Gil meche probably signing with Jays or Cubs? Jim A
Kartsens numbers this year is impressive to me but here is carl's career stats
Pavano's career Stats
1998 Mon 24 23 0 0 134.2 130 70 63 18 43 83 6 9 0 0 -- 4.21
1999 Mon 19 18 1 1 104.0 117 66 65 8 35 70 6 8 0 0 -- 5.63
2000 Mon 15 15 0 0 97.0 89 40 33 8 34 64 8 4 0 0 -- 3.06
2001 Mon 8 8 0 0 42.2 59 33 30 7 16 36 1 6 0 0 -- 6.33
2002 Mon 15 14 0 0 74.1 98 55 52 14 31 51 3 8 0 0 -- 6.30
2002 Fla 22 8 0 0 61.2 76 33 26 5 14 41 3 2 0 3 -- 3.80
2002 -- 37 22 0 0 136.0 174 88 78 19 45 92 6 10 0 3 -- 5.16
2003 Fla 33 32 2 0 201.0 204 99 96 19 49 133 12 13 0 0 -- 4.30
2004 Fla 31 31 2 2 222.1 212 80 74 16 49 139 18 8 0 0 -- 3.00
2005 NYY 17 17 1 1 100.0 129 66 53 17 18 56 4 6 0 0 -- 4.77
Total -- 184 166 6 4 1037.2 1114 542 492 112 289 673 61 64 0 3 -- 4.27
Miscellaneous Pitching
SEASON TEAM W% #PIT TBF #P/PA #P/IP #P/GS K/9 K/BB AVG OBP SLG OPS
1998 Mon .400 2148 580 3.70 16.0 92.0 5.55 1.93 .251 .315 .423 .735
1999 Mon .429 1678 457 3.67 16.1 91.9 6.06 2.00 .285 .345 .401 .743
2000 Mon .667 1502 408 3.68 15.5 100.1 5.94 1.88 .248 .324 .387 .708
2001 Mon .143 706 199 3.55 16.5 88.3 7.59 2.25 .331 .391 .494 .881
2002 Mon .273 1229 350 3.51 16.5 86.4 6.18 1.65 .318 .391 .532 .921
2002 Fla .600 919 269 3.42 14.9 77.6 5.98 2.93 .306 .348 .411 .757
2002 -- .375 2148 619 3.47 15.8 83.2 6.09 2.04 .313 .372 .478 .848
2003 Fla .480 3063 846 3.62 15.2 94.7 5.96 2.71 .265 .311 .416 .724
2004 Fla .692 3155 909 3.47 14.2 101.8 5.63 2.84 .253 .302 .377 .676
2005 NYY .400 1552 442 3.51 15.5 91.3 5.04 3.11 .315 .354 .513 .864
Total -- .488 15952 4460 3.58 15.4 93.6 5.84 2.33 .276 .331 .427 .754
Miscellaneous Pitching
SEASON TEAM 2B 3B RBI SH SF IBB HB WP BK SB CS IR IS GDP GB FB G/F
1998 Mon 27 4 62 5 6 1 8 1 0 17 6 0 0 9 210 148 1.42
1999 Mon 14 5 53 5 2 1 4 1 3 10 5 0 0 5 174 100 1.74
2000 Mon 20 3 32 4 3 1 8 1 1 13 5 0 0 11 144 91 1.58
2001 Mon 8 0 29 2 1 1 2 0 1 4 3 0 0 3 59 47 1.26
2002 Mon 22 1 41 2 2 5 7 2 1 9 2 0 0 7 123 84 1.46
2002 Fla 11 0 27 2 2 3 3 1 1 5 5 5 0 5 92 60 1.53
2002 -- 33 1 68 4 4 8 10 3 2 14 7 5 0 12 215 144 1.49
2003 Fla 54 3 87 9 10 10 7 3 2 17 3 0 0 16 259 235 1.10
2004 Fla 46 5 72 7 4 13 11 2 3 16 5 0 0 18 320 223 1.43
2005 NYY 20 5 56 4 3 1 8 2 1 11 4 0 0 13 176 110 1.60
Total -- 222 26 459 40 33 36 58 13 13 102 38 5 0 87 1557 1098 1.42
Stats provided by STATS LLC
The AL east is the Sox's to lose for next season and the forseeable future. They had the brass pair this offseason and rightly earn the honor of being the favorites to take the East and probably everything else too. Whatever you want to say about how great it is we're not getting caught up in this latest round of spending frenzy and how we're stockpiling young talent, the fact remains we've done nothing but subtract from the team we're going to put on the field. And it doesn't look like it gets better from here.While Cash fiddles the empire is burning. Whether it gets replaced by a newer and better version remains to be seen. But for every Hughes there seems to be a Mussina and a Johnson to replace;and for every Tabata, a Matsui,Damon,and an Abreau. And there are no Mos,Jorges,Giambis,A-rods or Jeters in our system. So if we're swearing off free agency ala the old "fiscal responsibility" days,then it's gonna be a long decade not just a long year.
WHAT???/ when he was suspended in the EARLY 90's the team was in ruins when he was reinstated he elevated Stick and Buck. remeber he was in trouble 89 - 91 in that span the best thing that happened was that Jeter was drafted amd bernie put into motion. when Gene took over he made incredible moves like Jimmy KEy who was a CY Young Finalist in his first year. the team was in shambles when The Boss was suspended
I wouldn't worry about what the "experts" say on the Yankee talent level and whether or not they can win. For the past few years the Yankees were viewed as a top dog team on paper and we weren't able to get a WS win so maybe now that the "experts" think we're not stacked enough to compete we will. I believe it's the rules of opposite George.
What the hell is Cashman waiting for? Tired of wondering every morning if Yankees made some great moves, only to be upset at his apparent apathy. Forfeiting seasons works fine for 2nd tier teams, but not for us. Seems like all free-agent pitchers will just pass NYY by. If Cashman screws up they should tar and feather then send him to Boston.