Although Andy Pettitte is clearly on the downside of his career, the Yankees could really use him. I know this sounds ridiculous considering the $200 million or so they have already spent this offseason on starting pitchers. But, they desperately need his veteran presence and playoff toughness. Pettitte is also a pretty reliable inning eater. He has suffered a few minor injuries but nothing major. He could fit nicely into 5th spot in the rotation. What that does is ensure that Joba can stay in the bullpen all year long where he can excel. Joba is still not ready to handle being a starter for a fulll year and he gives us our best chance to win the World Series with him shutting down the 8th inning.

Petitie would also be expected to come in and mentor the young pitchers like Aceves, Kennedy, and the big time stud Phil Hughes. He has made more starts than all the other pitchers in the projected rotation combined. And considering the playoffs and World Series is all that matters in the Bronx I think this is a no brainer decision for them. They know that he wants to come back but he feels slighted by the pay cut they are proposing of $6 million, even though Andy is coming off a steady season in which he averaged over 6 innings per start and an ERA under 5, which are great numbers for a #5 starter.

Pettitte made $16 million last year. Tuesday, he rejected there insulting $10 milion offer. It is hard for him to understand why they couldn''''t spare the extra 6 million, and neither can I. They have already given out over $400 Million in contracts this offseason.

This move becomes even more needed with the news today that the Red Sox have reportedly signed John Smoltz.(Link Below) He will solidify the back end of their rotation or their bullpen more likely. Also reports today say the Astros may now be a front runner for Pettitte.(Link Below)

The Yankees have a great roster as of now, but with this addition and a reshuffling of pitchers (starters-bullpen) along with a few trades at log jammed positions and this team is ready to compete for the World Series. So, Hank and Hal Steinbrener, you need to do, pay, and say whatever it takes to get Andy Pettitte back where he belongs...in PINSTRIPES!!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3819298   Smoltz

     http;//www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/01/houston_astros_may_have_a_home.html    

Astros