Cashman brings back Pettitte

Three years and one draft pick (which was spent on Philip Hughes) later, the Yankees and Andy Pettitte once more became allies as the left hander agreed to a one year $16million contract today with a player option for 2008 also at $16million. The deal has been confirmed but is still dependent on the player passing a physical to be taken at some point next week.

$16million is probably too much for the 34 year-old but in this market and considering the arms the Yankees have down in Triple-A (Hughes, Clippard and Sanchez) this deal was one that has worked well for both parties.

Pettitte, who has four World Series rings gained with the Bombers in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. He also pitched terrifically in the 2003 World Series, going 1-1 with a 0.57 ERA. His biggest disappointment for the Yankees in postseason play was in 2001 where the lefty was tipping his pitches on a balmy night out in the desert as the Diamondbacks took Pettitte apart in Game 6 of the World Series.

Suddenly the Yankees rotation looks more solid, Wang and Mussina were both top ten pitchers in ERA last time around in the AL. Randy Johnson will now go into the season as the #4 starter on the Yankees behind Wang, Pettitte and Moose with lefty Kei Igawa or Carl Pavano vying for the final spot in the rotation.

I may not ever of been Andy Pettitte's biggest fan but this is a wise move by the Yankees, 2/$32m at most for Pettitte is better than 4/$40m for Lilly or 5/$55m for Meche is my eyes, let alone the 6/$102m that Bob Klapisch is reporting the Rangers have offered Barry Zito.

Now lets go and get the Rocket ;)