Pettitte Declines Option

ESPN reports Andy Pettitte declined his player option for 2008. So much for Brian Cashman's hunch.

"I have spoken with Brian Cashman, who has reiterated what Hank Steinbrenner said about the Yankees wanting to give Andy all the time he needs to decide about next season," Pettitte's agent, Randy Hendricks, said Monday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Accordingly, we are declining to exercise the option for 2008 and Andy will declare free agency in order to free up a roster spot for the Yankees.

"If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement. He appreciates the Yankees' willingness to give him the time he feels he needs. I do not expect him to make a decision for quite some time."

To me, there are three possible scenarios to consider:

• 1) Pettitte decides to retire, forcing Brian Cashman to make a blockbuster deal for Roy Oswalt, Johan Santana, etc. and possibly mortgaging the future in doing so. However, failing to land a big time pitcher would equal an unstable rotation including three rookies and a 39 year old declining Mike Mussina.

• 2) Andy simply needs more time and to see his buddies Posada & Rivera signed before making a commitment. He eventually signs to a similar deal including another player option for 2009.

• 3) He pulls an A-Rod, hits the free-agent market, and signs a 3 year $40+ million contract with another team. Kei Igawa makes a triumphant return to the rotation by walking 6 and serving up two grand slammers in his season debut.

If you chose selection #2, like me, you understand options #1 and #3 could equal disaster for next year's edition of the New York Yankees.