The Yankees already grim off season just a got a whole lot worse. Eliminating the possibility of a return to the Bronx, Pettitte is set to announce that he is retiring sometime within the next couple of days. With a very suspect starting rotation, the consensus was that the Yankees' organization was still holding onto a glimmer of hope that the aging, reliable starter might reconsider his inclination toward retirement and join the team, either this Spring, or at some point later on in the season.
The majority of opinion seems to believe this is a move based on the fact that he would like to spend more time with his kids and family. Personally, I think he looks at the currently constructed Yankee roster, combined with the moves made by Boston, and he just doesn't honestly think the Yanks will be able to compete for another World Series title this year, with or without him. Therefore, the effort and time he would have to commit to another grinding season would simply not be worth it in the end.
Additionally, in his personal life, he has the hearings for the Roger Clemens perjury trial scheduled for this summer, and his testimony is a key component in the case against Roger. I'm not sure how much this actually affected his decision, but I would think that his pending level of involvement also played a role in his decision to walk away from baseball and the Yankees, more specifically.
The Yankees might have been privy to this information prior to it becoming public knowledge, as they decided to sign a couple starting pitchers within the past week. Unbelievably enough, the Yankees have been reduced to taking chances on guys like Bartolo Colon, who hasn't even pitched in the major leagues since the 2009 season for the Chicago White Sox, where he went 3-6 in 12 games (62 1/3 innings) and had an ERA of 4.19.
The second of those signings was Freddy Garcia, who was recently inked to a minor league deal by New York. Garcia pitched for the White Sox last season and, in 157 innings, compiled a 12-6 record and posted a 4.64 ERA. Both of these pitchers are expected to compete for a very uncertain final two spots in an incredibly shaky rotation. The other players assumed to be considered are Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre; not exactly a frightening list of options.
More importantly, for Red Sox fans, is the fact that this eliminates the possibility of having to face an extremely difficult lefty. The Red Sox lineup is littered with left handed bats and not seeing this guy in a series against the Yankees is a great sign that things are looking up for the 2011 Sox.
So, Andy, go ahead and kick those flip-flop wearing feet up and enjoy your time off with a favorite chilled beverage of your choice. I support you in this decision 100% and I encourage you to savor your rest and relaxation to the fullest. If you would, though, just do me one last favor. Ignore any phone calls from Brian Cashman or anyone with the last name Steinbrenner. They don't have your best interest in mind.
Their sole interest lies within the favor of the Evil Empire, and if anyone should be aware of this, it's you. Just look at how they treated your good buddy, Derek Jeter, this off season. So, no matter what they offer and how much they beg, just tell them "No, thanks" and wish them the best of luck, because, you and I both know, they're gonna need it!
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