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Andy Pettitte is ready to give the New York Yankees an answer -- at least an answer about when he will give them an answer on pitching next season. Also, Raul Ibanez wants to return to pinstripes next season. Here is the latest as the Yankees' offseason rumor mill continues to spin.
The early part of the Yankees offseason has been filled with waiting, since much of what they are going to do will depend on free agents Andy Pettitte and Hiroki Kuroda.
Pettitte, 40, could give the Yankees a timetable for his answer this week.
Valentine's View: Is anyone else really tired of this annual dance with Pettitte? A timetable to give a timetable? C'mon, Andy, either you want to pitch or you don't. I hope to see Pettitte back in pinstripes next season, but this whole thing he goes through every offseason gets annoying.
Ken Davidoff: Raul Ibanez wants to return to New York Yankees - NYPOST.com
The Yankees have significant interest in retaining Ibanez — he could help fill the void left by Nick Swisher in right field and contribute once again at designated hitter — but they’ve asked Ibanez to hang tight while they resolve the situations with their starting pitchers and Mariano Rivera.
"I know they have certain needs that they need to go after first," Ibanez said. "I’m open to anything. I’m looking forward to an opportunity to play in The Bronx again. That would be great."
Valentine's View: Ibanez was a post-season hero, but had a bit of an up-and-down regular season. He finished at .240/.308/.353 with 19 home runs and 62 RBI. He would be a welcome addition to the 2013 roster, but hopefully the Yankees don't have to play him in the outfield for 90 games, like they did in 2012.