At the end of 2010 season, New York Yankees ace Andy Pettitte used the word retirement when speaking to Yankees GM Brian Cashman about whether he would return to the team in 2011.
For the last two seasons, Pettitte made it pretty clear that his intentions were to return for another season but the final decision would be made with his family.
Pettitte’s sentiments couldn’t come in a worse offseason, as the Yankees need his talents back in the Bronx more then ever. With the team failing to pick up another starter, the pressure and guilt has unfortunately fallen on Pettitte’s lap.
All there is to go on is unconfirmed hearsay that Pettitte is leaning toward retirement. That is what fans have to go on and it seems the Yankees don’t know much more.
During the Winter Meetings, Pettitte did call GM Cashman, as his main concern was that the Yankees were waiting on him. He did not want them to miss any moves or opportunities waiting on his decision. Cashman said that was the first time he became uncertain of Pettitte’s need to play baseball any longer.
Pettitte’s added silence is making all the retirement rumors seem more like the Yankees upcoming reality. Life in the Bronx sans the Southpaw and the core four will be no more.
If Pettitte waited past this week, I would be shocked because he is not pulling a Brett Favre. Rest assured, Pettitte is really torn.
This choice has to be unreservedly unfaltering with no regrets. I will respect Pettitte’s decision no matter what the outcome. He deserves that at the very least.
It was always an honor to cheer for Andy Pettitte, whatever 2011 brings.
As for the Yankees, it has been an offseason of waiting and so far nothing has gone their way. As they say, when it rains it pours.
“There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or out. There’s no such thing as a life in-between.” – Pat Riley
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