The Twitter machine is abuzz with word that Andy Pettitte could be close to formally announcing his decision to return for another season and signing a contract with the Yankees. Buster Olney reported it first, and the speculation is that the deal would likely pay Pettitte $10-11 million in 2013. Yesterday, Mark Feinsand reported that Pettitte was already starting his offseason routine, which would seem to indicate that Pettitte has a desire to return, and just needed to see how his body would hold up.
In additional news, Jon Heyman passes along that the Yankees also expect to have a new contract with Mariano Rivera in the “next few days.” Combine that with having Hiroki Kuroda (and possibly Ichiro) already re-signed, and a big chunk of the Yankees’ offseason to-do list could be checked off before the Winter Meetings even begin.
DOUBLE YAY!
Excellent news. Assuming all these guys can stay healthy the Yankees starting rotation and bullpen should be a lot strong in 2013 than it was in 2012.
Starting Rotation Of: CC, Kuroda, Pettitte, Hughes and either Nova OR Phelpes with Pineda hopefully available in mid-summer.
Bullpen looks like: Rivera, Robertson, Joba, Aardsma, Logan, Rapada, ??? and probably Phelps as the long guy and spot starter. I would love to see them give Mark Montgomery a shot but that may not happen until the September call ups.