By Geoff Walter / SNY.tv

 

 

In 2007 every game at Yankee Stadium may look like Old Timers Day as Andy Pettitte comes home to New York from his native Houston. In his exile from the Bronx, the lefty went 37-26 over three seasons in Houston and helped the Astros get to their first World Series in 2005. Before that, Pettitte was part of the 1996-2000 Yankee dynasty, winning four championships in five years. But after the Yankees lost to the Marlins in the 2003 World Series, and citing concerns about problems with his elbow, Pettitte was unceremoniously told that his services were "no longer required." So what exactly does a one-year, $16 million deal get you out of a 34-year old lefty? Here's your chance to see my take on Pettitte's signing and respond with some thoughts of your own.

In addition to being a key part of the last Yankees dynasty, Pettitte has proved to be a 200-inning pitcher, as well as a guy you can go to in the clutch. This is to say nothing of being another lefty, an advantage in the Bronx since left-handed power hitters still enjoy an advantage at the Stadium.

Before Pettitte, the Yankee rotation was Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Randy Johnson, Carl Pavano and "to be determined." Joe Torre will probably do the same thing to his rotation that he's done to his lineup -- stagger players left, right, left, right. So look for the following rotation come Opening Day: Wang, Pettitte, Mussina, Johnson, Pavano/ Igawa.

A good starter will always provide relief for a bullpen, especially when it is being overtaxed during the regular season. Scott Proctor, who was great in relief last year, gets to stay there as Carl Pavano slides down to the fifth slot. It also allows (assuming the Yankees sign him) Kei Igawa to not have to hit the ground running, either throwing in relief or temporarily starting in the Minors.

Speaking of the farm, Pettitte's return also gives recently acquired 23-year-olds Humberto Sanchez and Chris Britton more time to prepare for the Majors in Triple-A Scranton. They should be ready in a year or two, which, conveniently enough, is when Pettitte's contract is up.

Three years ago, the Yankees were scared to death about Pettitte's elbow. They offered two guaranteed years for $26 million with an option for a third at an additional $13 million. Now after three years, Pettitte does indeed have elbow problems, and the Bombers are willing to pay $16 million for the 2007 season, with an option for 2008. Houston knew about Pettitte's potential problems, which is why they wouldn't budge from their $12 million offer.

Pettitte is now 34 years old. He's admitted that his elbow has been acting up on occasion and was giving serious thought to retirement if he can't stand the pain anymore. He's also carrying a 4.20 ERA from 2006, which is only slightly better than the other pitchers currently in the Yankees rotation combined. Not to mention that number was compiled against National League hitters. Pitchers coming from the NL to the AL always have a tougher time maintaining their dominance than the other way around.

The Yankees are paying more now for a guy with some problems than they were willing to shell out when he had none. Remember who the Yankees got to replace Pettitte? Does a six foot 10 inch lefty named Randy Johnson ring any bells? Regardless, it's far better than going after Barry Zito for six years and $100 million in a free-agent market where the pickings are slim-to-none. Besides, if Pettitte is injured, he won't take the 2008 option so you have your safety net. There's also the bonus that Roger Clemens may be hot on Pettitte's heels. Houston, we have liftoff.