Pettitte rejects Yankees’ offer

Tyler Kepner just broke the story. Basically, Pettitte wants more money and he could still return at a higher salary, but I don’t think the Yankees will bend much, based on what we’ve seen and heard (and based on what solid offensive players received today). Kepner also notes that there is no new offer available, either. Andy should have shown some loyalty this time around, after the Yankees stuck with him during the Mitchell Report fiasco. Kepner speculates that by seeing the Yankees spend and spend on other players this off-season, Pettitte may feel slighted (he knows they have money). Then again, Andy Pettitte is no CC, no A.J. and no Tex.

Maybe it’s time for the Yankees to move on and use that 5th spot to get younger (and, with that, more cost efficient). Or, the Yankees could wait for Derek Lowe to sign (they won’t make a play for him) and then use his yearly salary as a marker for Pettitte (meaning, Pettitte would make $3 million or so less than that amount).

UPDATE - Bryan Hoch emphasizes that, based on what other Yankees have said, Pettitte is certainly amenable to returning and this is simply a money-driven situation. However, at this point, despite a very positive Bill James projection for Pettitte’s 2009 season, why not just allow Ian Kennedy to pitch? I know the standard reaction is to say that Phil Hughes is the frontrunner for the 5th spot, but all he has shown at this level is that he can’t replicate his mechanics enough to stay at this level (injuries are a result of his mechanics’ repeatability). IPK hasn’t always been the most mature guy yet that’s not what you desperately need from him. Innings are the main problem right now and, at this point, IPK can give more than Hughes.

Buy spring training tix this Friday

Partake in an activity that I have yet to see—spring training with the Yankees. Tickets go on sale Friday and PA (of LoHud) has a nice ST guide up, in case you want to catch a game and snag some autographs.

Further, allow me to squeeze in a non-related news bit (and mask it, as if it were related). The Yankees play the Red Sox in March and maybe you’ll see guys like David Ortiz, Jason Bay, and, of course, the great Nick Green. Yup, our former utility player has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Sox (with an invitation to camp).

Tex will be introduced tomorrow

It’s official. His physical was completed earlier today. Since this was, to many folks, a surprise signing, I expect a pretty tremendous viewership for this conference.

Quick Bits: Burrell, Bradley, Giambi

Hmmm…

1. Pat Burrell and the Rays have reached an agreement on a 2-year deal worth $16 million. In 2008, Burrell made $14 million alone. This is an amazing turn of events in relation to the market. Burrell may actually never experience the payday that he wanted. A year ago, if he were an FA, he probably could have gotten $15-16 million per on the open market. Now, he’s getting 1/2 of that. It’s mind boggling from a player’s perspective.

2. Milton Bradley has also reached an agreement with the Cubs. He’ll make a $30 million over 3 years ($10 million per). That’s a solid contract for both parties and I for one am happy to see Bradley, a guy who has had his share of problems, get a much deserved multi-year deal (even if it was hampered by the market).

3. Apparently a deal is nearing that would reunite Jason Giambi with the A’s. Based on what Burrell and Bradley have made, I predict maybe a $8 million salary for Giambi (thought I wouldn’t be surprised if it were less).

In retrospect, Cashman’s decision to not offer Bobby Abreu arbitration was a smart one, right? He would have made Burrell’s 2-year salary and then some in 2009. Also, my apologies for posting a bit late today. I just started my new TA (teacher’s assistant) gig, and the opening week could be a bumpy ride.

(Special props to MLBTR.)

Hurry up, Andy

From Bryan Hoch (MLB):

“It’s a long season and we’re in the American League East, which is by far the toughest division in the game,” Cashman said. “I think if we can add one more piece to that rotation, it would be beneficial. But it doesn’t absolutely have to go that way.”

The Yankees clearly want Pettitte to hop on board and while the ball is in his court, the slumping economy gives the Yankees a distinct bargaining advantage. Pettitte’s agents have warned him against accepting a hefty pay-cut, although I doubt you’ll find many teams who are amenable to spending $11-16 million on Pettitte, whether he’s worth it or not (we’re still waiting to find out who that supposed 3-year, $36 million offer is from). Even Derek Lowe, the durable righty, is getting low balled in today’s market by the pitching starved Mets (they offered $12 per).

Conclusion: Who should bat third?

According to Yankee fans (well, according to the 88 fans who voted in my poll), 47% (41 votes) of you believe that Mark Teixeira should bat third once the season is underway (I’m assuming you want A-Rod hitting fourth). A-Rod actually came in second with 32% of the vote (28 votes), meaning that a significant amount of you would like to see Tex hit fourth. My choice for the three-hole, Nick Swisher, came in last (21% with 19 votes… I wasn’t very convincing).

Basically, you guys want an Ortiz-Ramirez duo with Tex-A-Rod or even A-Rod-Tex. There’s nothing wrong with that, especially when Tex has hit .311/.394/.573 (in 354 games) when batting third in the lineup.