If Joe Goes, Mo Goes

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

(NEWSER) - 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. More»

Baltimore scores 3 off faltering pitcher in extra-inning triumph

(NEWSER) - The Yankees lost a heartbreaker in the Bronx yesterday. After rookie Shelley Duncan's three-run shot leveled the score in the bottom of the ninth, ace reliever Mariano Rivera faltered, handing the Orioles a 6-3 win in the tenth. "I'm a human being," admitted the normally reliable closer, whose Bombers remain five back of Boston in the American League East. More»

Legendary Yankees closer tears ACL while catching balls in batting practice

(NEWSER) - A freak injury may have just taken out the greatest closer of all time. Mariano Rivera tore his ACL and his meniscus while shagging flyballs during batting practice yesterday, likely ending his season and, many are speculating, his career. Rivera had already hinted that he might retire after this year. Asked if he thought he'd play again, Rivera whispered, "At this point I don't know. Going to have to face this first," Fox Sports reports. More»

With talks at an impasse, they think he should test the market

(NEWSER) - Could the New York Yankees really part ways with Derek Jeter? It's certainly looking that way. The club hasn't budged from the three-year, $45 million they've offered the star shortstop, and Brian Cashman told ESPN that he’s “encouraged him to test the market and see if there’s something he would prefer other than this. If he can, fine.” In a telling move, the club has declined to offer arbitration to either Jeter or Mariano Rivera. More»

(NEWSER) - Gabe Gross singled with no outs in the 11th inning to drive in the first run Mariano Rivera has allowed all season, giving Tampa Bay a 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees and sending the Rays into first place in the AL East. Cliff Floyd began the 11th with a single and pinch-runner Jonny Gomes stole second before Gross delivered the winner. More»