For a team that everybody takes for granted will be right back in the mix of things next year, the Yankees certainly have a muddled rotation. We've already talked about their options at length, but it seems like at least 20% of their starting five is (close to being) settled: ESPN's Buster Olney reports that Andy Pettitte's agent has informed the Yankees that he'd like to return.
No contract for 2009 has been negotiated between the pitcher and the team, but he has made it clear that he wants to play for the Yankees and the Yankees have made it clear that they want Pettitte, who went 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA for New York this season. Pettitte made $16 million last season.
If I had to guess, I'd say that Pettitte would have to take a salary cut. I know he was dinged up in the second half, but but $16 million is an awful lot for a guy who posted a 2-7 record and 6.23 ERA in his final 11 starts, especially when a guy still in his prime like A.J. Burnett could probably be had for the same price. What's fair? I suggested $8 million back in September, but because it's the Yankees we're talking about, I'll predict he'll get as much as $10 million.
