Andy Pettitte retired just over a year ago and even though he was certain about his decision last Feburary, he never ruled out a possible return. And on Friday, the 39-year-old left-handed veteran officially ended his brief retirement inking a one-year, $2.5 million, minor-league deal with the New York Yankees. The news was first reported by YES Network's Jack Curry via Twitter.
By signing a minor league deal, Pettitte can take his time in getting prepared to pitch in the Major Leagues again. The Yankees view Pettitte as an excellent addition to a deep rotation, a familiar face and, more importantly, a familiar arm to have for the 2012 season.
Pettitte returns to New York after taking a full year off after putting together a solid "final" season going 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA. During all of last year, the Yankee organization tried to coax the lefty back into pinstripes as injuries plagued their pitching staff, however, Pettitte didn't bite.
Now, after saying no to a $12 million contract in the 2011 offseason and electing to retire, Pettite agrees to a deal 1/6 the size.
Last Feb., Pettitte retired as the all-time leader in postseason wins (19), starts (42) and innings pitched (263). The lefty also is third all-time in victories for a Yankees pitcher and helped New York collect five World Series titles.
In time, Pettitte will join a five-man pitching rotation that will feature C.C. Sabathia, newly acquired Hiroki Kuroda and Michael Pineda, and sophomore Ivan Nova. He will also be reunited with good friends shortstop Derek Jeter and cloers Mariano Rivera, however, for the first time in a long time, he will not be throwing to catcher Jorge Posada, who retired in late January.
For more on Andy Pettitte ending his retirement, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For more reaction, check out the SB Nation blog Pinstripe Alley.