Anybody Got a 5?

Still no Andy Pettitte, still no sure #5 starter in the Yankees' rotation. We thank you for participating in our most recent poll - What should the Yankees do about Andy Pettitte?

We were a bit surprised by the number of people (31%) who said let him walk. We think there's a direct correlation to his HGH use, as well as leaving once before, and that poll selection.

The highest vote total (40%), of the 86 readers who answered the poll, agreed with our choice- add incentives to the $10 million guarantee.

"Stick to your guns" and keep the offer where it's at came in third (20%), while giving in and giving Pettitte $16 million was last with just 8 voters opting for that choice.

Now we'll sit back and see how this all plays out.

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Texas Twosome Twistin' in the Wind

Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte were once on top of the world. The demand for their services was high. They could command just about any price they wanted to pitch in the major leagues. That was never more evident than when the Yankees paid Clemens $28 million to pitch part of the 2007 season. But all that changed last winter with allegations and/or admittance of performance enhancing drug use.

Clemens is a pariah at the moment, keeping as low a profile as possible. Last year he showed up at the Astros' Spring Training camp in Kissimmee, but this year owner Drayton McLane basically said, "thanks, but no thanks".

"He kind of came on his own last year and I thought that presented too much confusion, with all the media around these 19- to 25-year-olds," McLane told the Daily News Tuesday. "That's putting a lot of pressure on these young men. As far as pitching to minor leaguers this year, I'd have to sit and talk with him, but I think most likely not."

Pettitte meanwhile sits, waiting to sign a contract somewhere, preferably with the Yankees. Combine a bad economy with an average season, throw in the taint of HGH usage, and there isn't quite the demand for Pettitte that there has been in the past. In fact, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports that negotiations between Pettitte and the Yankees is losing steam.

Without Pettitte, the Yankees will leave up to Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Al Aceves, Jason Johnson, and the rest of their minor league arms to battle it out for the fifth spot in the rotation. Of course, the Yankees could still make a trade or sign another free agent to fill the open slot.

Clemens' problems go way deeper than Pettitte's of course. He continues to get tried in the media and by fans for his purported steroid use. Then there is the heated battle with trainer/sleaze ball Brian McNamee. In addition to the anti-defamation suit that the Rocket slammed McNamee with, a grand jury is investigating whether Clemens lied to Congress. McNamee's testimony will be key as will that of investigator Jeff Novitzky.

One wonders if they could turn back the clock, would Clemens and/or Pettitte change the way they handled things in the past as well as the present. We'll never know.

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Pettitte Unhappy With Negotiations

Ken Davidoff of Newsday is reporting that Andy Pettitte is unhappy about how negotiations have transpired with the Yankees and may be re-thinking returning to the Houston Astros. Negotiations are still on going though as both sides seem to want to come to a resolution.

Pettitte's issues are three fold, and not unexpected:

1. Show me some appreciation. Sorry, Andy this worked last time, as so eloquently illustrated by Mrs. MM yesterday, but doesn't fly this time.

2. The Yankees aren't hurting for more based on the contracts recently handed out. It's a valid point, bu that's not the reason for the cut.

3. He thinks his 2008 season was not as bad as the Yankees are making it out to be. You get props for pitching while hurt, but you were pretty mediocre overall.

Davidoff also confirms that the Yankees are looking to deal Xavier Nady, to lower salary.Nady has one year remaining prior to free agency. To us it makes no sense to trade him. Play him, offer him arbitration after the season, and get the draft pick(s). The Yankees have also gotten calls about Nick Swisher, but the 3 years left on his contract could make him a less desirable target.

What do you think about the Andy Pettitte situation? Take our new poll! Our compromise is to give him $10 million guaranteed with incentives that could pay him another $6 million or more.

UPDATE - THE POLL IS WORKING AGAIN, SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

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Andy, We Hardly Know Ye

Today we have a very special post, from a very special woman...my wife. Mrs. MM puts in her 2 cents on Andy Pettitte's future in or out of NY.

What the heck happened to the home grown, stand-up guy with the "aw, shucks" humble attitude and a boat load of talent?

After weeks of foot dragging, Andy Pettite has finally made a public decision to reject the Yankees' offer of $10 million to pitch for them for 2009. In my mind, if he indeed walks away, he just went from a talented, if flawed, guy who had the good fortune to have been part of a successful dynasty and could have proudly wrapped up a great career and rode into the sunset to acclaim... to a chump. Now he is just like every other greedy sports figure who shamelessly and publicly does a money grab first, and considers how it affects his reputation later. In this case, that's a huge mistake.

How did this evolve? Well, first a little history on the subject...
Pettite came up through the Yankees farm system and eased his way in as a big left-hander from Texas with lots of guts and heart for the game. He paid his dues and when opportunity struck to hit the majors, he did so with humility and spirit. He became known as a leader in the clubhouse, an affable guy, and one who gave his all to win and for his teammates. Off the field, he was a family man and a devout Christian. That, plus being known as a reliable pitcher with one of the most effective pick-off moves in all of major league baseball.

He was the real deal, and his consistency and tenacity garnered everyone's respect and earned him 4 World Series championship rings as an integral part of 4 outstanding Yankee teams.

In 2001, Pettite had gotten killed in Game 6 of the World Series against the Diamondbacks, (and then we all know about how Game 7 ended). Then, after losing the 2003 World Series, in which Pettitte turned in a star performance, Yankees brass knew that it was time to re-tool a bit. They spent the off-season jockeying for players with some additional offense to offer, and landed Kenny Lofton, Tony Womack and one of the "big fish" that year- Gary Sheffield. With their attention turned elsewhere, the powers-that-be in Tampa (G. Steinbrenner, Randy Levine, et al) neglected to recognize the value of their coveted veteran lefty pitcher. During that final year of his contract, they didn't dangle the possibility of a lucrative contact extension.

Distracted by other holes in the leaky boat, the Yankees didn't show Pettitte the respect that he had certainly earned in all of his successful years of service. Instead, at the eleventh hour, they contacted him about a new contract. It was a fair contract that offered a generous salary, but the timing made it seem like an afterthought. So, feeling overlooked and dissed, Andy walked. And they let him go. "It isn't the money", he said at the time. It was the principle. So he took the road back to Houston. He accepted less money in exchange for recognition and respect. And the bonus was the chance to be around home more with his kids, and where he could help to shape the up and coming younger Astros players with the counsel of a seasoned veteran. By and large, Yankees fans understood the logic of Pettite's decision. He had been overlooked by Yankees management and the decision had to do more with his requirement of being treated with respect than anything money could buy. Who could argue with that?

Pettite gave 3 years of service to Houston, sharing the Astros' rotation with fellow Texan, ex-Yankee, friend, and workout partner Roger Clemens. And from 2004-2006, the Yankees struggled to fill the hole left in the wake of Pettite's departure. Kevin Brown couldn't begin to fill those shoes nor could anyone else. So following the 3-year stint and elbow surgery in Houston, Mr. Home Grown returned to New York and was warmly welcomed back by Yankees fans in 2007. He spent the first year back reminding fans of what they'd missed. He got over his snit of having been ignored, and the move implied that he had returned for his love of the game and recognition of all the good memories that he had made on his way up to the majors and his respect for the specialness that is the Yankee legend. He was part of that elite group that had been the heart of the team for years: Jeter, Mo, Posada, and Pettite. You got the feeling that this was where he wanted to play and where he wanted to wrap up his career.

But then the whole steroid mess began to unfold in 2007-2008 and Pettite's solid reputation was rocked by scandal. Bam! Roger Clemens slinked away under a veil of suspicion, and despite all protests to the contrary, he looked like a selfish, guilty fool. And out trickled a nasty little sidelight: Pettite had used HGH, too. You might just as well have read that there was no tooth fairy. It made all of us wonder about the myth we had bought into regarding Pettite as a man of character who you could expect to uphold principle and do the right thing. The same guy who we would smile at because he was a man with such a great sense of decency that when he got frustrated with his performance during a game you could often witness him screaming obscenities into his glove rather than let anyone else see or hear him do it. The same guy.

So what did this stand-up guy do when faced with the white light of scrutiny in the press and under oath at a Congressional hearing? He came clean about his steroid use. Sorta. Eventually. When he had no other choice. He distanced himself from Clemens, claiming that their friendship was never as close as we had thought. He involved his wife, Laura, in his affidavits, as if throwing her under the bus with her testimony would somehow corroborate his assertion that he only used illegal substances to heal an injured arm and return to his team. Except that he eventually admitted that wasn't really the whole truth. But, we bought it. Because we wanted to believe in him.

And Yankees management backed him. Because they needed to. And because of his prior reputation, he kind of got a pass on the whole ugly mess in the court of public opinion. But even if what he said was true, is intention a sound defense when lies were told knowingly and the law was broken?

Then the disappointing 2008 season came and went. Plagued all season with injuries and bad pitching, the pitching staff was in shambles and Pettitte contemplated the 2009 season. The Yankees knew they had shuffling and trading and rebuilding to do and they needed to have a solid rotation to put on the field in the new Yankee Stadium. Knowing they would likely only need one of their veterans, Mussina or Pettitte, Moose made their choice easy by retiring on an up note, with class and dignity. And that left Pettite.

A 1-year contract was offered to Pettitte. Maybe not a stellar contract compared to the deal that CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett got, but one that would keep him in New York and allow him to pitch for the team he said he loved. And $10 million is nothing to sneeze at. The team he said he wanted to pitch for at the new stadium. And the one that stood behind him just the year before as he squirmed uncomfortably at that press conference where he had to stand up and explain his steroid usage (with his loyal buds Jeter, Mo, and Posada lending their unwavering moral support from the front row).

And instead of taking the offer, this man of principle who we believed in and whose faults we forgave and who we stood behind..... is ready to walk away again. But this time for selfish reasons: money. It is just mind boggling that after all this time with all his millions and all of his so-called principles, he's no better than any other bottom feeder. And so careless with his once carefully crafted reputation. What a shame.

In an era where people love to build up and tear down their heroes, here is one great athlete who doesn't need tearing down. Pettite is doing a fine job of it all by himself.

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Pettitte Says No No No

Andy Pettitte may be saying he wants to remain a Yankee, but his actions haven't matched his words. Tyler Kepner of the Times last night reported that Pettitte officially rejected the Yankees' 1 year, $10 million offer. That means there is no offer on the table and Pettitte's time with the Yankees is coming closer to ending.

Apparently our open letter didn't do the trick.

We'll have more on this later with a special guest post by Mrs. MM.

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You Say You Want a Resolution

New Year's is a time for resolutions. We think these are some of the ones the Yankees family came up with this year.

Alex Rodriguez
I will not "Vogue" while play third base.
If we make the playoffs, I'll get more than 2 hits. Either way I'll have fun out there.

CC Sabathia
I will leave some of the post game spread for my teammates.

A.J. Burnett
I will stay off the disabled list.

John Sterling
I will not refer to CC Sabathia as Chubby Checkers or Coca Cola. Anyone know what rhymes with Teixeira?

Joe Girardi
I won't lie to the media about injuries. Last week Brian Bruney got a paper cut reading the Sunday paper. I don't know any more, I swear. Get off my back.

Brian Cashman
I will try to cut down on how much I use the word "process". It will take some doing though, because it is a process. Damn.

Melky Cabrera
If I'm not traded, I promise to eat more low fat foods and get more than 2 hits a month.

Mariano Rivera
I'll cut down on losing tie games.

Chien-Ming Wang
I will appear on the post-game show.

Robinson Cano
I will be consistent.

Derek Jeter
I'll date Marissa Miller.
I won't pose as a car salesman.

Michael Kay
I'll continue to make every ball sound like it's hit to the warning track.
I'll continue to use street terms. Are you down with that?
I won't laugh at everything Paul O'Neill and Al Leiter say.

Suzyn Waldman
I will not cry at opening day's first pitch.

John Flaherty
I will try not to be so white bread. Pass the mayo.

Andy Pettitte
I will be a Yankee.

Hank Steinbrenner
I will say something outrageous at least once. Look ma, top of the world!!! See?

George Steinbrenner
I will have a Paul O'Neill day at the new Stadium.

The New Yankee Stadium
I'll watch the Yankees raise the World Series championship banner on opening day, 2010. Okay, that's next year, but you catch my drift.

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Dear Andy

An open letter to Andy Pettitte from someone very close to him.

Dear Andy,

It's been a while since we had a good talk, but I think now is the time for me to step up and remind you of a few things. You're in a quandary right now. You want to play for the Yankees, but you don't want to take a pay cut to come back.

But let me ask you something: How do you want to be remembered, not just by Yankees fans, but by baseball fans and the media, and even your opponents?

As a solid, sometimes spectacular left-hander who helped the Yankees to 4 World Series championships and 2 other World Series appearances?

Or, would you prefer to be thought of as a guy who cheated? No matter how good your intentions might have been, you still cheated. A guy who lied about how many times he used HGH? For all we know you could still be lying about that.

A player who ended his time in Pinstripes because he wouldn't take a pay cut? And let me remind you, it's a pay cut to $10 million, not a-buck-fifty. Yes, CC and A.J. are making big bucks and they never wore the uniform. But they are still in the relatively early stages of their careers, while you're on the other end of the spectrum.

And what about loyalty? You want the Yankees to be loyal to you, but where is some reciprocation? The Steinbrenners have been very good to you. Yes, there was the "not enough love shown" after the 2003 season; we'll give you that. But you did all right over the 9 years prior to that, and in the 2 years since you came back. And you weren't exactly stellar this past season, injuries or not.

Jorge, Mo, Derek...they were all there for you last Spring Training, standing by your side as you 'fessed up. How about showing a little loyalty back? You embarrassed the ball club. If anything, you owe the Yankees something.

Let's face it, you don't need the money. You have more than enough. Remember your good buddy Paul O'Neill? He took $6 million to play his last year in 2001. He could have gone anywhere and made much more money. But he wanted to finish his career as a Yankee. You keep saying you do, but your actions don't match your words.

Am I being tough on you? Maybe. But that's my job.

Sincerely,
Your Conscience

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The Weekend Yankeeland - 12/28

Andy Martino of the Daily News has a lengthy piece on the new responsibilities Joba Chamberlain faces both as a budding star and as an adult.

Holly Sanders of the Post shakes down the money sitch in the Bronx.

The odds of Andy Pettitte returning to the Yankees is getting less and less according to several area writers. Looks like Andy doesn't want to take a pay cut. Yo, Andy, don't damage your rep even more than you did with your HGH admission.

The "lets hope the Yankees fail" nonsense has already started.

David Cone is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time. Let the debate begin.

Brian Bruney talks about the holidays and the joy of being a Dad.

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The Weekend Yankeeland - 12/14

Shat or Get off the Pot
What's on Andy Pettitte's mind this Sunday morning? He met with Brian Cashman on Thursday, presumably so Cashman could appeal to his sense of "Yankees pride". Translation, "we're not paying you $16 million. Take a pay cut or take a walk. Ben Sheets will be glad to take your place." The ball is now in Pettitte's court.

A Frickin' Winner
Belated congrats to Tony Kubek as this year's Ford Frick Award winner by the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kubek made a name for himself on the NBC weekly telecasts with Joe Garagiola, and his broadcasting work included Yankees game in the 1990s. In 1994, tired of life on the road and dissatisfied with the state of the game, the former Yankees shortstop walked away with 2 years left on his contract.

Kubek's playing career ended pretty much the same way. He retired at age 30 after 9 years in the majors. He also, unfortunately, helped turn around the 1960 World Series for the Pirates, when Bill Virdon's bad hop grounder hit him in the throat, forcing him from the game and keeping a Pittsburgh rally alive.

We were never big fans of Kubek's broadcast work, though he grew on us during his stint with the Yankees. He was never afraid to criticize the home team like some other broadcasters and we respected that.

Kubek will be honored in Cooperstown on July 26 along with former Yankees Joe Gordon, elected to the hall by the veterans committee, and Rickey Henderson, who will enter the hall as a member of the Oakland A's.

Queme a Bebé Bernie
Bernie Williams never officially retired and though he may not want to play in the majors next season, he does want to play for his native Puerto Rico. So the guitar man is headed to Puerto Rico to play winter ball for the Carolina Giants. How long before Mike Francesa says the Yankees should bring him back (about 2 seconds after campaigns AGAIN for Joba to go back to the pen)?

Rich or Poor, It's Good to Have Money
In case you are interested, Richard Sandomir of the NY Times explains how the Yankees can afford players like CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.

We laugh at those headlines that say the rich got richer. The rich haven't won anything in 8 years.

Caller, are you there?
Mark Feinsand of the News reports that Johnny Damon and A-Rod made recruiting calls to Burnett. A-Rod promise tickets to a Madonna concert and 2 free Kaballah sessions?

Don't Let the Door Hit Ya...
Midnight Friday or is that Midnight Saturday..no 12:00 AM as it became Saturday..oh never mind. That was the deadline for non-tendering players. Not many players were let go that will have a major effect on any teams, but the Rockies let speedster Willy Taveras go and the Astros parted with infielder Ty Wiggington. The Yankees have displayed an interest in Wiggington in the past and would probably be interested him as a utility player. However, Wiggington could probably get a starting job, or at least a back up job where he would play more, rather than signing with the Bombers.

Play by the Rules
The Yankees got their pockets picked in Friday's Rule V Draft. Reegie Corona (Sea), Zach Kroenke (Fla), Jason Jones (Min), and Ivan Nova (SD) were all taken in the major league phase of the draft.

Andres Santos (Pit) and Josue Selenes (Oak) then went in the Triple-A phase to make it 6 Yankees prospects selected. Amazing that some baseball "experts" claim the Yankees don't have good prospects.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 12/11

Not so fast with the Mike Cameron to the Yankees deal. The deal is on hold, speculation being it has to do with the $10 million owed Cameron for the '09 season. There is also talk of Bill Hall and Kei Igawa being involved.

Joel Sherman and George King of The Post are reporting that Brian Cashman departed the winter meetings to meet with Andy Pettitte. The Yankees need to figure out if Pettitte is in their plans or not as they weigh how many free agent pitchers to sign.

In case you missed, Derek Jeter will participate in the WBC next spring. Oh, he will be playing for the U.S.. ;)

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Yankees Losing Their Minds

Ken Rosenthal reported late Wednesday night that the Yankees had upped their offer to A.J. Burnett to $91 million. Insanity you say? Insanity is correct. Going 5 years is bad enough for Burnett, but more than $18 million per season? Does the name Carl Pavano ring a bell?

The Yankees are said to want Burnett or Derek Lowe, but not both, while still hoping to bring back Andy Pettitte or bring in Ben Sheets for a short term contract. It's becoming clearer that the Yankees don't necessarily want Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain in the rotation, and all this maneuvering could lead to Chamberlain's return to the pen or Hughes being used as trade bait for a bat.

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The Daily Yankeeland/TGIF Hot Stove

Talk about your mixed bag. The Daily Yankeeland and the Hot Stove are one abbreviated post today due to an oh so busy schedule. We're still laughing at yesterday's news of David Ortiz telling reporters that Alex Rodriguez will play for the Dominican Republic in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Papi, you honestly believe Turkey-Rod will make his mind up that quickly? Do you not recall his flip flopping for the last WBC?

At least this news about A-Rod has to do with baseball, not his latest Madonna episode. BTW, the scuttlebutt (Been watching too much NCIS) is that A-Rod is already cheating on the Kabalah Kook. And in case you missed it, check out this photo of A-Rod at KK's concert. Did he just escape from "Project Runway"?

Anyway, back to business.

Brian Cashman has already met with Scott Boras and is planning on talking to CC Sabathia before Monday's winter meetings begin. Tyler Kepner of the Times reported that Cashman also flew to Washington today to meet with Boras and another of his clients, Mark Teixeira. The Daily News reports that Cashman also spoke with Boras about Derek Lowe.

Andy Pettitte has spoken with Joe Torre, but Torre feels Pettitte only wants to play for the Yankees.

The biggest news today though is who won't be back next year. Greg Maddux has decided to calll it quits and will make an official announcement on Monday. Conveniently, Maddux lives in Las Vegas, site of the winter meetings. A sure Hall of Fame entrant in 2013, Maddux calls it quits with 355 career wins.

Speaking of Sabathia, Jon Heyman of SI reports that the Brewers are willing (and may have already) to up their $100 million offer to the lefty. Sources told Heyman that there two other teams, in addition to the Yankees and Brewers, that have made offers to the lefty.

The Atlanta Constition-Journal feels the contract offer to A.J. Burnett includes an attainable fifth year.

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Yankees Don't Put Any Stops on Arbitration

The Yankees announced this afternoon they will not offer salary arbitration to free agents Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Ivan Rodriguez, Chad Moeller, Carl Pavano, and Sidney Ponson.

The real surprise is that arbitration was not offered to Abreu, who has put up solid numbers in his 2 1/2 seasons in Pinstripes. It's especially puzzling since Abreu would likely get a multi-year deal somewhere, meaning the Yankees would get a pair of draft picks as compensation.

The NY Post reported earlier today that the Yankees made an offer recently to Pettitte that was for less money than the $16 million he earned last season. Pettitte, unwilling to take a pay cut, rejected the offer.

The Post also speculated the Yankees wouldn't offer Abreu and Pettitte arbitration, fearing that the poor economy would cause teams to not offer deals for major money.

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Hump Day Hot Stove

Either Andy Pettitte is trying to force the Yankees' hand or he really just wants to pitch anywhere (or make some more bucks). Ken Rosenthal says that Pettitte's agents are looking around for other possibilities, Joe Torre's Dodgers included. We've always loved Pettitte, but we have no problem if he moves on. He's not the pitcher he once was and he's certainly not nearly worth the money he's seeking.

ESPN reported last night that the Angels were readying an offer to CC Sabathia that would rival the money the Yankees reportedly offered up. If money is no object, CC will likely land on the left coast.

The Boston Herald reports that the Angels are willing to deal one of their catchers, either Jeff Mathis or Mike Napoli, and Boston could be the destination. We can't imagine the Angels relying on Mathis for their full-time needs.

The Dodgers said they will not try to further entice Manny Ramirez with money. LA has reportedly made a 2-year, $45 million proposal.

Billy Beane likes On-Base Percentage guys, and Nick Johnson is one of them. Beane has asked for the oft-injured Johnson's medical records from the Nats to pursue a possible deal.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 11/17

Hey! The Daily Yankeeland is back. Hope you missed it!

The Yankees aren't sure if they'll land CC Sabathia, but the Cleveland Cavs forward, and Yankees fan, LeBron James thinks it'll happen. "We're gonna get him. Absolutely."

Meanwhile Brewers GM Doug Melvin can't understand the reported $140 million the Yankees offered his left-hander.

"If the speculation is true that we've offered CC $100 million," Melvin wondered out loud in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "why would you offer $140 million? Why wouldn't you offer $110 million?

With all due respect to Doug Melvin, why would the Yankees want to get into a bidding war? They know Sabathia wants Johan Santana money ($137.5 million), so why should they bid $105 million and allow Sabathia to think they really aren't serious? The Steinbrenners and Brian Cashman want to wow the 2007 AL CY Young winner and this offer will certainly do just that.


Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto
Darrell Rasner is thanking his lucky stars and Japanese ownership for some financial security. The Yankees sold Rasner's contract to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles for $1 million. Rasner will make a guaranteed $1.2 million next season and could make as much as $3.5 million if his option is picked up for 2010.

"I'm going to, most of all, remember the last year," Rasner said. "This year was a special year with the closing of [Yankee Stadium]. To be a part of that was special for me, getting to start quite a few games. I wish I could have been better and a lot of things could have happened, but I know I did my best every time I went out there."

Really Peavy'ed
Despite the fact that Jake Peavy really doesn't want to pitch in New York, Brian Cashman has continued talks with Padres GM Kevin Towers in an attempt to swing a deal for the star right-hander. During the GM meetings, Towers said he was going to concentrate on the NL teams for the moment, but told Cashman he would come back to him. He's done just that. After a deal for Atlanta, that would have included young star shortstop Yuniel Escobar, fell through Towers expanded his search.

Without knowing all the details of the Braves talks, one would imagine the Padres would want Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano for starters. Of course, how much of Peavy's contract is picked up by the Yankees could alter what players would change hands.


Oldies but Goodies
Still no word from Mike Mussina on whether or not he'll return to the major leagues next season or call it a career. Meanwhile Andy Pettitte has not yet received an official offer from the Yankees, though it appears the two sides are far apart on what they think Pettitte should make. The left-hander reportedly is looking for money in the neighborhood of last year's $16 million, while the Yankees would like him to take a pay cut. "Hey Andy, here's $8 mill, take it or leave it."

Cubs Play, Cubs Play
It's official, the Chicago Cubs are coming to the city so nice they named it twice. The Cubs and Yankees will open the new Yankee Stadium with a pair of exhibition games April 3 and 4. The Cubs have only come to Yankee Stadium once, a 2005 interleague series, since the two teams met in the 1938 World Series.

"The Yankees organization is excited and honored to host the Chicago Cubs in two exhibition games to be played at the new Yankee Stadium," Yankees co-chairperson Hal Steinbrenner said in a release. "As we welcome our fans into the ballpark for the first time, it is fitting to showcase two of baseball's greatest and most historic franchises."

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Pettitte Wins Stadium Finale

Last night's game, in some ways, was anti-climactic in comparison to everything else going on. Perhaps having non-Yankees announcers in John Miller and Joe Morgan was part of the problem. Especially since there times when they weren't saying what was going in the game. Class move by ESPN though bringing in Michael Kay to do a half inning and reminisce. Kay at least did actual play by play.

Andy Pettitte started out shaky and we were thinking, "no, this can't be the way to go out.". Thankfully Pettitte settled down enough and the Yankees bats woke up against Orioles starter Chris Waters.

Trailing 2-0 in the third, Hideki Matsui, who is undergoing knee surgery today, and Jose Molina started the inning off with back to back singles. Johnny Damon then belted his 16th home run of the season for a 3-2 Yankees lead.

Pettitte gave the lead right back on a game tying single by Brian Roberts in the fourth, but the Yankees countered in their half of the inning. Robinson Cano led off with a rare walk and one batter later Molina cracked his third home run of the season on to the netting in left field, for a 5-3 Yankees advantage.

Pettitte gave up a lead off single to Adam Jones to start the sixth and exited to a standing ovation and calls of "An-dy Pett-itte". The fans got their wish, a curtain call, and Jose Veras and Phil Coke combined to strand Jones and Oscar Salazar, who had walked.

The Yankees added to their lead in the seventh with the help of some shoddy Orioles defense. Bobby Abreu stroked a lead off single and easily stole second base. He moved to third on Alex Rodriguez's fly out and scored when Jason Giambi's pop up fell between Brendan Fahey and Melvin Mora for a gift RBI single.

Pinch-runner Brett Gardner moved all the way to third base when Fahey booted Xavier Nady's grounder and scored on Cano's fly to left for a 7-3 advantage. The Yankees went down in order in the eighth, including Derek Jeter. Jeter had a tough night at the plate, bothered by the baseball he took off his wrist and hand on Saturday (he would never admit it of course), going 0-5. He struck out twice looking and both times, argued more than usual with home plate ump/tough guy Angel Hernandez. In the eighth it would get no better, as he grounded to third to end the inning, but appropriately, he was the last Yankees batter in the game.

Joba Chamberlain pitched 1.2 innings and handed the ball over to Mariano Rivera in a non-save situation. But Mo had his wish, he would be the last pitcher to toe the rubber. retired RiveraJay Payton on a grounder to Jeter and Luke Scott on a bouncer to Cano. Girardi then pulled Derek Jeter from the game for another standing ovation and a curtain call to the chants of "Der-ek Jet-er". Rivera then retired Roberts on a grounder to Cody Ransom, who had replaced Giambi for defense at first base.

And just like that, the final game at Yankee Stadium was over. Andy Pettitte got the final win, Brett Gardner scored the last run, Jose Molina had the last home run, and Jason Giambi picked up the final RBI. It was a must win, and for once this season, the Yankees came through when they had to.

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Pettitte Can't Shoulder the Load

There were reports during the Summer that Andy Pettitte was pitching injured. He denied it at the time, but now admits he's been taking the mound with a sore shoulder. Clearly something is wrong. After last night's 6-2 loss to the White Sox, Pettitte had dropped 7 of his last 8 decisions and saw his record go from 12-7 to 13-14. He's never finished a season under .500.

Pettitte's start last night evolved the way many of his starts have this season, going from good to bad in the middle innings. Tied 1-1 in the fourth, Pettitte walked Brian Anderson to start the inning. Consecutive singles by Jermaine Dye and Ken Griffey Jr. produced the go ahead run, and Dye scored on a double by Paul Konerko to give the White Sox a 3-1 lead.

Pettitte finally retired A.J. Pierzynski for the first out of the inning and then intentionally walked Alexei Ramirez to set up a double play situation. But the move backfired when Pettitte walked Juan Uribe to force in a run.

As they have been all season, especially in the second half, the Yankees went lifeless after being behind. A Jason Giambi home run in the Yankees half of the fourth cut the deficit to 4-2, but they would get no closer. The White Sox tacked on runs against the worn out Jose Veras, and Dan Giese for a 6-2 final.

The only highlight of the night was Derek Jeter's passing of Lou Gehrig for hits at Yankee Stadium. Jeter's first at-bat took care of it, though the hit should have been ruled an error when the ball went right through Uribe at third base.

Gavin Floyd continued his break out season for the White Sox, improving to 16-7 with the win. The Yankees biggest threat against him was a bases loaded, two out jam in the fifth. A 10-pitch battle ensued with Jason Giambi, that Floyd won when Giambi swung and missed at a strike three breaking pitch. Bobby Jenks, in a non-save situation, easily retired the punchless Yankees in the ninth.


News and Notes

Hideki Matsui has decided to go in for knee surgery after Sunday's home finale.

Derek Jeter also passed Lou Gehrig for second place on the franchise career at-bats list.

Brett Gardner stole two bases and is 10-11 on the season.

Olympic medalist Dara Torres threw out the first pitch.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/13

The Yankees are just under way as Mike Mussina tries to run the table to get 20 wins. Sidney Ponson goes tonight in the back end of the day-night doubleheader. Alex Rodriguez was scratched from game one with a stiff neck.

Andy Pettitte will be getting the final start in the Stadium.

Derek Jeter is chasing Lou Gehrig for most hits at the Stadium.

Brian Cashman doesn't want to talk about his future.

Last night's weather reflected the Yankees season.

The Yankees have recalled Phil Hughes and David Robertson, and Hughes could start on Wednesday.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/11

George King has a brief look at the Yankees final homestand and a Far East scouting trip.

Joel Sherman talks about Andy Pettitte's uncertain future.

Ivan Rodriguez sat out yesterday's game with the Angels and will do so again tomorrow against the Rays to serve his two game suspension.

Edwar Gonzalez stood out at Tampa and Trenton this year and may look to go to another organization next year.

The USA Today wonders "What happened to the National Anthem?".

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Angels Put Yankees in a Clinch

The Yankees are used to celebrating September clinches and October victories. Yesterday they sat and watched the Los Angeles Angels become the first team to clinch a playoff spot with a combined 4-2 win over the Yankees and an 8-7 Rangers loss to the Mariners.

Things started out all right for the locals, Andy Pettitte had a 2-1 lead entering the fifth inning. Then the Angels loaded the bases on consecutive singles by Gary Matthews Jr., Garret Anderson, and Vladmir Guerrero (the killer 'G's?). Pettitte bounced back, striking out both Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales looking. But Robb Quinlan singled home two runs to put the Angels ahead and Guerrero came home home as well on Xavier Nady's errant throw to third base.

Just like that the Yankees were down 4-2 and rolled over. They managed just a walk over the next three innings and then had to face Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth. The Yankees did have a chance with two outs, as Jason Giambi drew a walk and Nady singled, but Hideki Matsui went down looking for the final out. The save was K-Rod's 56th, leaving him one behind Bobby Thigpen for the most saves in a single season.

The Yankees got off to a good start in the first inning against Angels right-hander Dustin Moseley, but, as usual, couldn't build off it. Derek Jeter drew a one out walk and stole second base. Bobby Abreu followed with a walk of his own and the Yankees were in business. Alex Rodriguez struck out for the second out, but Jason Giambi picked him up with an RBI single to right, for a 1-0 lead. Moseley then balked home Abreu for a second run. Giambi was stranded in scoring position, however, when Nady went down swinging.

The Angels got a run back in the first after a one out double by Matthews. Guerrero struck out, but reached on a wild pitch, with Matthews moving to third. Juan Rivera put the Angels on the board with an RBI ground out.

Box Score


News and Notes

The Yankees struck out 13 times in the game with A-Rod collecting three of them.

Joba Chamberlain threw two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three. It was the first time he went more than an inning since returning from the DL.

Derek Jeter stole his 275th career base.

Robinson Cano is in a 2-25 slide.

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