people care just as little about this story (well, outside NY at least) as they do nowadays about the little mini-blips that they may or may not play. We'll hear when we hear...until then, I don't give a crap.. just plan for without as much as possible.
i could half heartedly see pettitte going....but i dont think Roger would go. I think if Pettitte leaves, Roger retires...otherwise, I think they both will be back...Roger for 1 yr and pettitte for maybe 2
see, i could see roger going before pettitte. because i think andy doesn't need the attention...the adulation. clemens does. i think andy recognizes how nice it is to pitch at home...to sleep in his bed...to be near family...and wants to finish that way. i think clemens recognizes that, too...but is prone to follow ego. ultimately, i don't think either one of these guys will pitch anywhere but houston...if at all.
As early as next week, we may find out that the Yankees rotation is already set: Mussina, Johnson, Matsuzaka, Wang, Wright. Looks like the Unit's back surgery was successful, the Yanks are bidding heavy for Matsuzaka (winner tba today or tomorrow), and Wright has an option that has to be exercised by Nov. 12th. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=klapisch_bob&id=2653906 That scenario would explain why the Yankees appear determined not to be outbid. "At the end of the day, they're the only ones who'll go [to $20 million]," said one insider. And if the Yankees are successful? Then don't hold your breath waiting for Clemens or Pettitte despite the nostalgic ties to both pitchers. For one, Mike Mussina is on the verge of signing a two-year deal worth $22 million. That's one less spot for the former Yankees hurlers. Furthermore, the Bombers aren't sure Clemens is necessarily married to the idea of wearing pinstripes again; they're just as convinced he's headed back to Fenway Park if he decides to leave the Astros. As for Pettitte, who recently said he's considering retirement, a Yankees higher-up said, "we love the guy, but it's hard to take a run at a pitcher who isn't 100 percent convinced he wants to play anymore." There are other factors that would complicate Pettitte's return. Despite a strong second half of the 2006 season, the long-term durability of Pettitte's elbow, which has twice undergone surgical procedures, is a concern for the Yankees. So are his personal feelings about New York. The club was under the impression Pettitte was pressured by his family to leave New York after the 2003 season, leading to a three-year commitment with the Astros. Whether Pettitte would face resistance at home about another tour with the Yankees remains unclear. That question would become moot if Matsuzaka signs with the Yankees and Randy Johnson's recent back surgery is a success. "Then we're looking at four starters [including Chien-Ming Wang and Mussina]," said the official, suggesting the fifth spot may ultimately belong to Jaret Wright. The Yankees have until Nov. 12 to pick up Wright's $7 million option for 2007 (or buy him out for $4 million). Not that any of this will stem the media's & the Racket's regurgitation of yankeecentric pablum.
Yeah you're right. I nearly fell out of bed when I heard how excitedly they wwer talking about it on Bloomberg AM this morning!
