Pettitte Ponders Retirement

New York hurler declines $16M option, but will likely pitch for Yankees if at all

By Jesse Andrews, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2007 10:33 PM CST

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Pettitte Ponders Retirement — New York Yankees' Andy Pettitte pitches against the Cleveland Indians in the second inning of Game 2 the American League Division baseball series, in this Oct. 5, 2007 file photo in Cleveland. Pettitte declined his US$16 million option to return to the Yankees, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, still uncertain... (Associated Press)

In the latest development of a tumultuous Yankees offseason, star pitcher Andy Pettitte declined his $16 million option for 2008. However, his agent stressed that Pettitte's choice was between the Yankees or retirement, saying, "If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees in 24 hours." General manager Brian Cashman told the Daily News he wanted Pettitte to return. "In fact, I'd say I need him to," he said.

The 35-year-old went 15-9 in 2007 and was the only effective Yankees starter in yet another curtailed postseason. His announcement comes after manager Joe Torre rejected a one-year contract and megawatt third baseman Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract as well. The fates of two other key Yankee free agents, closer Mariano Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada are still in doubt. (More MLB stories.)

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