Andy Pettitte returns to New York for one more year – MLB News
Veteran starting pitcher Andy Pettitte has agreed to a one year $12 million contract with the New York Yankees, reports nj.com. Pettitte had talked about his desire to play for the Yankees right after the end of the post-season.
The 40-year-old took retirement form the game in 2010 but because of his love for the game, he decided to revive his Major League Baseball career, signing on a one year contract with the Yankees in 2012.
Pettitte looked in terrific touch in the first half of the season, helping the Yankees emerge victorious in several important games. However, he suffered an ankle injury which limited him to only 12 starts.
Overall, Pettitte went 5-4 with an incredible 2.87 ERA, showing the Yankees the stuff he is capable of. General Manager Brian Cashman and Manager Joe Girardi were really impressed with what they saw from the right hander and they were awaiting his decision
for the last weeks.
After going back home to see his family, Pettitte decided to continue playing for the Yankees. In an interview with a leading sports website, he said his family is behind him. Pettitte is excited to be coming back to New York. According to sources, he also
already started to work out to keep himself fit and healthy
“It was a pretty easy decision for me once I started working out. I could see I still had the desire to do the work. My family is behind me and I’m excited to be coming back,” Pettitte said in a telephonic interview.
“If I’d pitched a full season and thrown 200 innings, I wouldn’t feel as fresh or as physically good as I do right now,” said Petttite, who will turn 41 in June. “I’d probably feel more beat up. I’m looking forward now to doing the work to pitch a full big-league
season this year.”
With Pettitte’s signing, the Yankees have now filled three of the five starting spots. C.C. Sabathia will be the Number one starter in the next season while Hiroki Kuroda and Pettitte are expected to fill the Number two and Number three spots respectively.
Tags: