» Pettitte Opts Out... bot only a formality Yankees Blog

November 06, 2007

Unsure if he wants to pitch again, Andy Pettitte declined his $16 million option for next season on Monday, while leaving open the possibility that he could return to the Yankees.

Andy Pettitte is unsure if he wants to pitch another season, so he opted out of his current contract. However, Pettitte and his agent have said repeatedly that he either wants to retire, OR stay a Yankee.
“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,” Hendricks told the AP. “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.”

Hopefully, Andy will decide to pitch at least another season for the Yankees. The Yanks really can not afford anohter hole in that rotation. I think that Pettitte may be waiting it out to see how the Yankees team will shape out. (ie: Posada, River returning?).