Andy Pettitte Rumors

Dodgers Starting With Infield

More from Ken Rosenthal. The FOX hot stove guru says the Dodgers plan to sort out their infield before worrying about starting pitching. They can use Blake DeWitt at second or third, but that still leaves them two infielders short. Casey Blake is the obvious free agent fit at the hot corner; maybe the Dodgers will stretch and give him that third year. If they miss out on Blake they could always go for Joe Crede. It doesn't sound like Ned Colletti plans to sign any of the top three free agent shortstops, while talks have stalled for Jack Wilson....   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Thorman, Sabathia, Pettitte

Links for Tuesday... Big League Stew names Scott Boras' ten most notorious deals. Darren Dreifort also probably belongs on the list. Any others? Roch Kubatko of MASN Online debunks a rumor about the Orioles offering Brian Roberts a three-year contract with a soft deadline. ESPN's Keith Law likes the Astros' signing of Mike Hampton. The Brewers signed first baseman Scott Thorman to a minor league deal. He hit .251/.283/.465 at Triple A this year. Also, Salomon Torres officially retired. C.C. Sabathia attended a Golden State Warriors game last night, for what it's worth. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti paid lip service...   Continue Reading

---

Cards Decline To Offer Arb To Springer, Looper, Isringhausen

TUESDAY: Another note from Strauss - it seems the Cardinals are moving on from Springer. MONDAY: According to MLB.com's Matthew Leach, the Cardinals declined to offer arbitration to Russ Springer, Braden Looper, and Jason Isringhausen (as well as their other free agents). The Looper decision comes as a surprise, as he earned only $5.5MM in '08 and would've been a solid addition or trade chip for '09. He's a Type B free agent, but the Cards won't get a pick now. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Looper is seeking at least a three-year deal. Springer is a...   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Decline To Offer Arb To Pettitte, Abreu, Mussina

8:04pm: One of Abreu's agents, Chris Leible, spoke to Peter Abraham. Though Cashman said he was still engaged with Abreu, Leible says he hasn't heard from the Yankees once since the end of the season. 4:48pm: According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Yankees declined to offer arbitration to Type A free agents Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu, and Mike Mussina (and all other free agents). Peter Abraham and Ed Price may have had this on the web earlier; it was close. The Abreu decision comes as a surprise; until this morning most believed the Yankees were willing to risk a one-year...   Continue Reading

---

Colletti: "Some" Interest In Pettitte

George King of the New York Post swapped emails with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti, who admitted to "some" interest in free agent southpaw Andy Pettitte. Ken Rosenthal originally reported the Dodgers possibility on Tuesday, and on Wednesday Ken Davidoff talked to a team official who considered a deal unlikely. With Pettitte considering the Dodgers, King says the Yanks have a dilemma regarding the decision to offer him arbitration. River Ave. Blues runs through the scenarios. In a recent poll of over 2,700 MLBTR readers, 39.1% expected the Yanks to offer Pettitte arbitration.   Continue Reading

---

Pettitte Considering Dodgers

WEDNESDAY: Newsday's Ken Davidoff talked to a Dodgers official who said it's unlikely they will sign Pettitte. TUESDAY: According to Ken Rosenthal, free agent lefty Andy Pettitte spoke to Joe Torre multiple times about the possibility of signing with the Dodgers. Rosenthal notes that Pettitte has a history of leaving when he doesn't feel wanted, and the Yankees are taking a laid-back approach toward him this winter. Still, the Yankees remain Pettitte's first choice. Rosenthal does not see Pettitte returning to Houston.   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest: Putz, Manny, Lackey, Ibanez

Let's take a look at the latest column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark does the math and finds 15 potentially available closers versus six clubs in the market for one. Should result in a few bargains or teams holding on to their surpluses. The Mets don't seem willing to extend to four years for Francisco Rodriguez. Stark says J.J. Putz would become the Mets' top closer target if he's made available. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone wrote a few days ago that the Mets are likely to trade for a reliever with closing experience before attempting to sign one. J.P. Ricciardi quote:...   Continue Reading

---

Lowe Wants $16MM

Today we've heard Scott Boras wants a Zito-like contract for Derek Lowe, or at least a five-year deal. Now SI.com's Jon Heyman says Lowe seeks $16MM per year, on par with Andy Pettitte's 2008 salary. That salary is pretty reasonable; I would've thought Boras would start the bidding around $18MM and worked his way down. What do you think - four years, $64MM for Lowe?   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Rumors: Abreu, Burnett, Teixeira

George King of the New York Post and Kat O'Brien of Newsday have the latest on the Yankees, who are in hot pursuit of free agent starting pitching. The Yankees will offer arbitration to Bobby Abreu, according to Jon Heyman. No surprise there. King says the Yankees are preparing an offer for A.J. Burnett, "perhaps a five-year deal worth about $80 million." Burnett's agent says they're just discussing parameters. It would be a strong offer, dwarfing the Blue Jays' four years, $54MM. ESPN's Buster Olney believes a fifth guaranteed year will ultimately result in the winning bid for Burnett. The...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Holliday, Takahashi, Lincecum

Links for Wednesday... Richard Justice says the Astros should offer Andy Pettitte $7-8MM to come back. Joe Christensen doesn't see Huston Street landing in Minnesota. Larry Beinfest dismissed a "cyberspace rumor" that the Marlins are planning a run at Manny Ramirez. Gordon Wittenmyer says the Cubs could fit both Jake Peavy and Ryan Dempster into the payroll, and that the Peavy situation will be resolved first. Today is the deadline for MLB.com's Free Agent Frenzy. You have until 4pm CST to submit your picks for 15 free agents. Here are my predictions from November 3rd...I would change the Furcal and...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Pettitte, Zaun, Blanco

Links for Tuesday... Scott Bordow feels the D'Backs and Randy Johnson should meet at $5MM, which still seems light. David Murphy explains why the Phillies make more sense than the Mariners for Jamie Moyer, geographically. David Ortiz would like the Red Sox to add a 30 home run bat. Richard Justice wants the Astros to sign both Randy Wolf and Andy Pettitte. He says the Cubs and Cardinals will be talking to Pettitte even though his heart is with the Yankees. El Lefty Malo recommends the Giants sign Derek Lowe. The Giants are at least considering the big-ticket free agents....   Continue Reading

---

Perrotto's Latest: Free Agent Predictions

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto offers a list of some educated guesses as to where some of the top free agents in baseball will land, with some surprises here and there. Let's take a look: Perrotto lists the Yankees loading up on starting pitching, landing C.C. Sabathia and Derek Lowe, while the Dodgers land Manny Ramirez after doubling their initial offer to four years, $100MM. Perrotto says the Nationals will land Mark Teixeira, as they could be prepared to offer Teixeira - a Maryland native - ten years, $200MM. Turning down...   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Rumors: Sabathia, Pettitte, Mussina

Some new Yankees rumors surfaced at Joe Torre's charity event in New York last night. Derek Jeter talked to C.C. Sabathia about what it's like to play for the Yankees but says he's not "trying to sell anyone on New York." According to Newsday's Kat O'Brien, Andy Pettitte isn't looking for a long-term deal. He's waiting to hear from the Yankees, who know that "one year's fine" for Pettitte. Brian Cashman said this week he's looking to bring Pettitte back, and that was before Pettitte said he was looking for a one-year deal. Peter Abraham has news on Mike Mussina....   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Rumors: Teixeira, Igawa, Sabathia

The Yankees chatter died down a bit today, but here's what we've got. Joel Sherman of the New York Post notes buzz about Robinson Cano going to the Dodgers amid Yankee interest in Russell Martin and Matt Kemp. He admits it's unlikely. Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News talked to one big league exec about whether Mark Teixeira could handle the pressures of New York. Brian Cashman says nobody has asked him about Kei Igawa, who has three years and $12MM left on his contract. Cashman would not rule out the possibility of bringing back both Mike Mussina...   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Rumors: Cameron, Melky, Pettitte, Lowe

5:06pm: More on the Cameron situation: Ken Davidoff says Cabrera and Ian Kennedy have been discussed. However, the Brewers will probably wait to see if they can sign Sabathia, since he's good friends with Cameron. 10:26am: The latest Yankees hot stove buzz... According to Joel Sherman and George King of the New York Post, the Yankees inquired with the Brewers on Mike Cameron. The Yanks would be willing to send Melky Cabrera and pitching to Milwaukee. The Yankees are also talking to other teams about Wilson Betemit. The Yankees are only willing to do a one-year deal for Andy Pettitte,...   Continue Reading

---

Pettitte Looking For Two Years?

8:33pm: Yankees GM Brian Cashman says there's mutual interest with Pettitte. 4:44pm: We know Andy Pettitte wants to pitch in 2009, and he prefers the Yankees. However, the Yanks want to hear from Mike Mussina before they talk to Pettitte. Further complicating matters, Ken Davidoff says Pettitte may desire a two-year deal. Davidoff figures the Astros will try to jump in and sign Pettitte. The Astros seem to have room in the budget for one free agent starter.   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Burnett, Matsui

Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. C.C. Sabathia is the Yankees' top offseason target, and they'll make him an offer beyond Johan Santana's $137.5MM. Heyman also sees the Yanks pursuing A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Oliver Perez (with Ben Sheets a less likely target). Heyman's sources believe the Yanks could even attempt to sign three free agent starters. The Yankees aren't counting on Mike Mussina, and may wait on him before considering Andy Pettitte. Contradictory note from Heyman: the White Sox have no plans to try to keep Joe Crede or Juan Uribe, but might...   Continue Reading

---

Olney On Pettitte, Mussina

THURSDAY: Olney says Pettitte's agent Randy Hendricks informed the Yankees that his client wants to pitch for them in 2009. Olney says the interest is mutual. WEDNESDAY: Lots of good stuff from ESPN's Buster Olney today. His scoop on the Yankees' free agent starters: A longtime friend of Andy Pettitte reiterated that the left-hander intends to pitch in 2009 -- and there is a growing sense that Mike Mussina may return for another season, as well, although Mussina has not indicated a final decision, one way or another. Intriguing news on Mussina, since he's suggested it'll be either three more...   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Rumors: Jeter, Sabathia, Hudson

Let's talk Yankees. Ken Davidoff makes recommendations for the '09 Yankees. He would sign Derek Lowe and Andy Pettitte, and offer arbitration to Damaso Marte and Bobby Abreu. Jim Baumbach explains a tricky situation coming up: re-signing Derek Jeter. Peter Abraham takes a look at various free agents on the minds' of Yankees fans. Tyler Kepner of the New York Times says first priority for the Yankees is to re-sign Brian Cashman. I imagine they already have a Plan B in place, but recent reports lean toward Cashman returning. Kepner says the Indians were aggressive in pursuing a deadline deal...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Manny, Laird, Strasburg, Chipper

Let's gather up today's linkage. Andy Pettitte will probably pitch next year, but Mike Mussina remains an unknown. Reader Peter H. reminds us that the Brewers' playoff berth means the Indians get to choose the player to be named later in the C.C. Sabathia deal. Ross Newhan finds it indisputable that the Dodgers and Angels have to re-sign Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira at any cost. Manny generated an estimated $7.6MM in extra revenue for the Dodgers. T.J. Simers snagged all kinds of quotes from Manny in recent articles, including one about Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick dissing Manny...   Continue Reading

---

Week In Review: 9/21 - 9/27

Here's your weekly look back at some of the biggest stories we've covered on MLBTR! The Pedro Alvarez drama may finally be behind us. The Pirates' first-round pick agreed to terms with the organization on a new four-year, $6.355MM major league contract. Jim Callis and Dejan Kovacevic have some more insight to offer on the signing here. The contract was officially signed later in the week, and the grievance was resolved. Royals fans and Eric Hosmer are also both relieved that this is over I'm sure. The Blue Jays began talking extension with A.J. Burnett this week. Later on, we...   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Or Retirement For Pettitte, Again

Andy Pettitte has been pitching through shoulder pain in recent months, and he's finally been shut down. He told reporters yesterday he will choose between the Yankees and retirement for 2009. Pettitte added that the Yankees "pretty much let it be known they'd like to have me back." Pettitte would probably not require the same $16MM he did this year (George King says a the Yankees want him back for "a lot less money.") If he's willing to pitch for $12MM or so, I don't know why the Yankees wouldn't bring him back.   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Hawkins, Pettitte, Strasburg

Rounding up the day's links... Jack Etkin of the Rocky Mountain News talks about the future of Garrett Atkins. We discussed the possibility of an Atkins trade in this post. MLB.com's Jim Molony says the Astros would like to re-sign reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Amazingly, Hawkins has thrown 17 scoreless innings as an Astro. This is a popular link lately...Vegas Watch examines April predictions from various analysts. Meanwhile, Scott Long digs in deeper on PECOTA's American League predictions. Personally I am more interested in the logic behind projections. Did anyone predict Rays starters to post a 3.88 ERA? Did anyone peg...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Pavano, Penny, Burnett

Random links to start the morning... Ben Shpigel says Billy Wagner's $10.5MM for '09 is not covered by insurance, making the Mets unlikely suitors for K-Rod (hat tip to MetsBlog). The Padres claimed knuckleballer Charlie Haeger. You have to like the move; he's only 24. Ken Davidoff writes about Nationals pitcher Tim Redding, who dreams about returning to the Yankees one day. Davidoff also says that contrary to popular belief, C.C. Sabathia did not buy a home in Southern California. In another post, Davidoff lists the worst trades of '08. Nats GM Jim Bowden will probably bring in a veteran...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Pettitte, Hampton, Tazawa, Blalock

Let's round 'em up... Chat today, 2pm CST. Andy Pettitte seems to want to play next year, but Peter Abraham believes he may have to take a pay cut. Gerry Fraley writes about the Rockies and Mike Hampton. It's safe to rule out a return to Colorado for Hampton, who is currently auditioning for his next team. The Royals dismissed their scouting director Deric Ladnier, offering him another position in the organization. Craig Brown reflects on Ladnier's tenure. More Royals linkage: Rany Jazayerli defends the Gil Meche signing and implores the team to lock up Zack Greinke this winter. Jazayerli...   Continue Reading

---

Will Yanks Make Any Trades?

Joel Sherman of the New York Post discusses the Yankees' trade prospects in a blog post today. The Yankees have a 3-5% chance of making the playoffs this year, according to Baseball Prospectus. Sherman suggests Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, and Carl Pavano as players with a slight chance of being dealt. No-trade clauses would present an obstacle for most of these players, however. As Sherman notes, Abreu is locked in as a Type A free agent. For the Yankees to receive draft picks for him this winter, they'd have to offer him arbitration and have him...   Continue Reading

---

Looking At The Yankees' Impending Free Agents

The Yankees have several big-name free agents looming this off-season, including Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettite, Ivan Rodriguez, Mike Mussina, and Jason Giambi ($5MM buyout for his $22MM option). Deciding who to bring back, who to let walk and who to offer arbitration could be the key decisions that have a ripple effect throughout the rest of baseball. Tyler Kepner says the Yankees have already decided to not bring back Abreu and Giambi at their current salaries, $16MM and $21MM respectively. However Kepler says the Yankees may be open to bringing Abreu back at a reduced rate, especially without any obvious...   Continue Reading

---

Pettitte To Pitch In '09?

From Buster Olney's blog today: Heard this: Andy Pettitte may well pitch another season, in 2009. Pettitte, 36, has a 3.98 ERA in 17 starts for the Yankees this year. He's well-compensated at $16MM. About a month ago, Pettitte said it would be "a joy and an honor" to pitch at the new Yankee Stadium.   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Viciedo, Broussard, Rincon, Threets

Time to round 'em up. The A's are leading the charge for international free agent pitcher Michael Inoa; they could offer him $4MM. All teams have scouted him. MLB.com's Jim Molony names the Astros, Yankees, Cardinals, Angels, Mets, and Pirates as teams considering Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo (assuming he becomes a free agent). The Orioles would like to sign Ben Broussard, if he'll accept a minor league assignment. Broussard if mulling his options and should sign within 24 hours. He could step in if the Orioles trade Kevin Millar. Jeff Weaver has been released by the Brewers. Weaver's lost it;...   Continue Reading

---

The Mitchell Report

1:06pm: Jon Heyman names a slew of guys in the report. The Mitchell Report itself is available here. Start reading! Wow, this thing is loaded with surprises. Kind of cool to see the emails Mitchell was able to collect among front office guys. 11:11am: More on last night's cut n' paste misspelled list - WNBC talked to a "high-ranking MLB official" who refuted several names on it. 10:51am: This is odd, WNBC/CNBC is rolling with the same cut n' pasted misspelled list. Hey look, Troy Glaus is in there twice! MetsBlog checks in with buzz that the Klapisch note about..   Continue Reading

---

Johan Santana Rumors: Wednesday

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 7:50pm: Tim Brown says the Red Sox had a moment of doubt, but they remain the frontrunner for Santana. The previously mentioned packages apply. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 6:21pm: LENIII checks in on the interest level of the six teams involved. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 5:05pm: Santana's agent, Peter Greenberg, indicated that the Mets are in the running for Santana. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 2:48pm: BP's John Perrotto talked to a Twins official, and it definitely looks like the Meetings will end without a Johan deal. Perrotto says he's still likely to be dealt before Spring Training. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at..   Continue Reading

---

Astros Pushed For Pettitte

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 7:47am: I missed an interesting note from Ken Davidoff's blog yesterday. Apparently the Astros made a hard push to get Pettitte for '08. FROM 12-4-07 at 3:39pm: From near-retirement to playing until age 45. Andy Pettitte is all over the place. Pettitte told a Houston TV station his arm would allow him to get guys out for another ten years, though he didn't specifically say he wanted to play that long. He did, however, express interest in being around for the Yanks' new stadium in 2009   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Loretta, Pettitte, Affeldt

Random Winter Meetings rumors... Doug Melvin confirms that the Nats offered Chad Cordero for Rickie Weeks. Melvin is adamant that he won't be trading Weeks or J.J. Hardy for a closer. Mike Timlin for $3MM, done. Mark Loretta would like to return to San Diego but the Padres will pass. The Rockies may yet sign him. Rob Biertempfel thinks the Pirates could send a reliever to the Rockies for Jamey Carroll, if the Rockies would eat some of Carroll's salary. That's right, a Jamey Carroll trade rumor. For a man of his abilities Carroll is a tad pricey at $2.3MM...   Continue Reading

---

Pettitte Will Play For Yankees In '08

UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 9:30am: Peter Abraham says Pettitte will pitch for $16MM, which was his original option. FROM 12-3-07 at 7:26am: According to the Houston Chronicle, Andy Pettitte has informed friends and teammates that he will pitch for the Yankees in 2008. The Yankees have been informed as well. This is a great news for the Yankees, who gain some leverage in the Johan Santana negotiations   Continue Reading

---

Graziano On Pettitte

I recently asked Yankees Rumor Royalty winner Dan Graziano about free agent Andy Pettitte. Graziano covers the Yankees for the Newark Star-Ledger. MLBTR: What's your best guess on Andy Pettitte's decision for 2008? Dan Graziano: Among the players I've ever covered, if there's one who might leave a guaranteed $16 million on the table in exchange for early retirement and an increase in time at home with his family, it's Andy Pettitte. However, I don't believe there is such a player. My gut says Andy will agonize for a while - maybe even long enough to scare the Yankees into..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Clark, Izturis, Clemens

First day for teams to negotiate with free agents, always a good time. Here are today's odds and ends. Jeff Blair notes that one athlete may still be better paid than Alex Rodriguez: Kimi Raikkonen, a Formula One driver, earns $51MM per year. No need to debate on whether race car drivers should be considered athletes, I just thought it was interesting. The D'Backs don't figure to spend much on free agents, because they're a smart team. Tony Clark wants two years, $4MM, and the team is thinking it over. The Bucs will probably hold onto Jack Wilson this winter,..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Lowell, Sabathia, Polanco

I'm going to start up a catch-all Odds and Ends post for smaller rumors and notes today. Refresh to see it grow. A reader emailed me to tell me that Buster Olney said on XM Radio recently that there are talks of the Twins going after Scott Rolen. These reports can be tough to confirm, but there you go. UPDATE: Joe Christensen squashes this one. Mark Feinsand doesn't think Epstein is keen on giving Mike Lowell even a three-year contract. He might get five on the open market. UPDATE: The Red Sox apparently have a three-year offer out to him,..   Continue Reading

---

Andy Pettitte Declines Option

Andy Pettitte has declined his $16MM player option for 2008, but his goal is not to test the free agent market. His choices remain the Yankees or retirement; basically by declining the option now he frees up a roster spot for the team. As Peter Abraham writes, the Yankees would certainly prefer not to wait several months before hearing Pettitte's plans. I was almost certain he'd come back for '08. Still, it would not be the end of the world to enter next season with a rotation of Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy. They'd..   Continue Reading

---

Cafardo's Latest: Drew, Pettitte, Lincecum

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo works his way through all the teams in anticipation of Monday's GM meetings. Here are some of the rumors we haven't seen much before. The Rays want a defensive-minded shortstop and veteran starter. Maybe they'll make a play for Cesar Izturis or Omar Vizquel. A rehab guy like Freddy Garcia or Randy Wolf could be interesting. The Indians are looking for a power bat for left field. Haven't seen them mentioned with Barry Bonds at all, could that work? Cafardo proposes the idea of the Cubs acquiring J.D. Drew as their OBP-minded right field acquisition...   Continue Reading

---

Pettitte: Yankees Or Retirement

Andy Pettitte has made an honorable decision - if he pitches in 2008, it will be for the Yankees. He respects the fact that they awarded him a $16MM player option. Sure, he could decline it and get a bigger multiyear package elsewhere. Many speculated he'd do so. However the extra money isn't a concern for him. My best guess is that he'll exercise the option. That would be odd, though, a player exercising a player option when it actually represents his true worth   Continue Reading

---

Yanks To Pursue Rowand?

A source of mine with Yankee connections had some good info for me today. Much was discussed yesterday in Tampa. For starters, the Yanks are expected to make "eye-popping" offers to retain Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera before the World Series ends. The team does not want the pair to file for free agency. Additionally, the Yankees may make a big play for Aaron Rowand. They believe a package of Melky Cabrera, Chien-Ming Wang, and Ian Kennedy would entice the Twins for Johan Santana. That's a huge price, but doesn't seem out of line to me for the best pitcher..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: A-Rod, Boras, Pettitte

Early Monday morning reading material... Interesting article in the New York Daily News regarding Scott Boras and Alex Rodriguez. Boras insists that many of his clients have not taken the largest deal offered to them, giving examples. The article also touches upon recent Boras clients connected to performance-enhancing drugs (Rick Ankiel and Scott Schoeneweis). Boras' agency is known for its obsessive attention to detail for all of its clients, and seeing a few of them busted raises some questions. Last winter, we discussed the possibility of Hiroki Kuroda coming over from Japan. Well, he's a free agent again, and Nick...   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Or Retirement For Pettitte

On September 6th, Jayson Stark mentioned hearing speculation that Andy Pettitte would opt out of his contract after the season and become the best available starter. But even then his source thought Pettitte's main motivation would be to get more money or years and stay with the Yanks. It's clear now that Pettitte has no interest in sparking a bidding war for his services, even if he could. According to Ed Price of the Newark Star-Ledger, it's the Yankees or retirement for Pettitte in 2008. It's kind of like Kenny Rogers' situation, only with an added focus on the desires..   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest: Clemens, Pettitte, Lowell

Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings column up at ESPN. Let's discuss. Most folks think Roger Clemens will retire after the season. The "will he, won't he" storyline is one I won't mind avoiding this winter. Remember, back in February Roger said he told his son it was "80-20 that I wasn't going to play." He also said, "I'm not leaving anybody hanging. I don't want to play." Good riddance. Andy Pettitte has a $16MM player option for 2008. This is similar to an out clause, where it's win-win for the player. He only exercises it if he..   Continue Reading

---

Graziano On Greinke, Pettitte

Good stuff today from Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger. Here's my summary: Beyond the Cubs, Graziano lists the Braves, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks as teams interested in pitcher Zack Greinke. If the initial asking price for Octavio Dotel was as high as reported, I can't imagine what Dayton Moore would want for Greinke. Graziano's Dotel suitors: Cubs, Dodgers, and Brewers. The Red Sox, Rockies, and Indians have been mentioned by other sources. Quite a market for this guy. David Weathers is seen as the poor man's Dotel/Gagne. Let's see if Wayne Krivsky can get something useful for him. Stormy makes..   Continue Reading

---

Randy Hendricks Interview

A must read: the Houston Chronicle's interview with Randy Hendricks, who represents Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. The Clemens situation remains unchanged, but you should read Hendricks's take on it. He thinks it's 50/50 that Clemens plays in '07 and that it would be a shortened season. Hendricks also offers a lot of insight into Pettitte's decision and the way the Astros felt about him   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Sign Andy Pettitte

The Yankees have signed Andy Pettitte to a one-year deal for $16MM with a player option for 2008. Take that, Thomas Wolfe. Looks like it's officially time for the Astros to move on to other options. Will someone pry away Jason Hirsh   Continue Reading

---

Astros' Options Remain Wide Open

One way or another, Tim Purpura is going to acquire a decent starting pitcher. The Houston Chronicle reports that Purpura is still in touch with the White Sox, but has a host of other active scenarios as well. In the article, Purpura goes to great lengths to confirm that starter Taylor Buchholz is healthy without actually confirming that he could be involved in a trade. It remains possible that the Astros trade for Jon Garland. They won't, however, acquire both Garland and Andy Pettitte. The Astros still have a one-year, $12MM offer out there. The Yankees have already blown that..   Continue Reading

---

Pettitte To Pitch In 2007

Well, the fire is still there for Andy Pettitte. He'll play next season, and will choose between Houston and New York. He'll also take his sweet time deciding. Peter Abraham seemed to indicate a while back that Pettitte's wife was not altogether thrilled with the idea of a return to New York. This morning, Will Carroll reported that Pettitte was "reportedly close to signing with the Yankees, but close isn't done."   Continue Reading

---

Pettitte back to New York?

The Yankees may have offered Andy Pettitte $15 million for one year. There's also a deal on the table from Houston, and he could decide within the week. If Pettitte really is mulling retirement, this may be more appealing then a multi-year deal for less money. Personally, I hope Pettitte signs a multi-year deal somewhere; the guy's only going to be 35 next year, and he's already started in on the Roger-esque will-I-or-won't-I business. C'mon Andy, you want to pitch! In other news, the Greg Maddux contract with the Padres is still almost done, but 2008 may be a player..   Continue Reading

---

Grimsley Names Revealed

Remember all that Jason Grimsley stuff from way back in June? L.A. Times reporters Lance Pugmire and Tim Brown got a glance at an unredacted version of Grimsley's affidavit, and all the names within were made public in this article. Here are the infamous six: Andy Pettitte Miguel Tejada Brian Roberts Jay Gibbons David Segui Roger Clemens In addition, Albert Pujols's trainer, Chris Mihlfeld, has apparently been cleared. The trainer in question turned out to be former Yankees and Blue Jays strength coach Dr. Brian McNamee. According to the article, McNamee works with Clemens and Pettitte. It had previously been..   Continue Reading

---

2007 MLB Free Agents: Andy Pettitte

New York papers are abuzz with Andy Pettitte talk, so I thought I'd get in on the act. Pettitte opened up to reporters yesterday, saying that retirement after the 2006 season is an option if his elbow can't handle any more. Pettitte turns 34 this June and will make $17.5MM this season in the last year of his backloaded three-year contract. One article mentioned that before the 2004 season, Pettitte asked his agent to limit the contract to three years. Given that obvious uncertainty and Pettitte's desire to be with his family, retirement is entirely feasible even with the lefty..   Continue Reading

---

Trade Candidates Part 1

With the hot stove not all that hot at the moment, I thought I'd run down some guys who could be traded between now and July 31st in an attempt to peer into the future. Part 1 of the series will focus on some of the players in their contract year. Barry Bonds is unlikely to be dealt, given that the Giants have pinned most of their offensive hopes on him. But if, for some reason, the team is out of contention in July and Bonds is looking more awful than usual in the field, a deal to the AL..   Continue Reading

---

Search MLBTR

MLBTR Mailing List

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST