Andy Pettitte filed for free agency yesterday, covering his bases in case the New York Yankees do not extend a contract offer. Pettitte has consistently maintained that he wants to pitch for the Yankees in 2009, espcially now that they are moving into the new stadium. But, while the Yankees know Pettitte wants to return and have also said they want him back in the Bronx, the team has yet to begin negotiations on what it would take to re-sign Pettitte.

Pettitte pitched to a 14-14, 4.54 ERA record in 2008, and was disappointing down the stretch, fashioning a 2-7 with a 6.23 ERA in his final 11 starts. While starting 33 games and throwing over 200 innings (the new benchmark for durability), he complained of a sore throwing shoulder in September and missed his final start of the season. However, MRI’s did not show any structural damage.

Reports have the Yankees wanting the 36 year old Pettitte back for a one year deal for around $10 miilion, much lower than the $16 million he earned in 2008.  It is apparent Pettitte is now a 4th or 5th type starter, but are those type of guys worth $10 million per season?

The real reason as to why the Yankees have not spoken with Pettitte or his agent has nothing to do with Pettitte, but everything to do with Mike Mussina. The Yankees are still waiting for Mussina to decide if he wants to retire or continue to pitch in 2009 and beyond. They are holding out hope that Moose wants to return and believe he is a better pitcher than Pettitte at this stage of their careers. Last week, Andy was given Type A free agent status and then stated he wanted to pitch in 2009, and those factors worked against Pettitte. Since the Yankees are likely to sign two free agent pitchers among CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Derek Lowe and (ugh!) Oliver Perez, and with Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain already in the rotation, by having Mussina return, the Yanks would have 5 top starters and would not need Pettitte. A guy who wants to retire (especially after a 20 win season) would already have already announced his decision. The more Mussina delays his decision, the more likely Mussina returns to pitch.

The Yankees would gladly accept Mussina back and take the two draft picks for Pettitte as he signs elsewhere, with his best opportunity being the Joe Torre led Los Angeles Dodgers.

Even if Mussina does not return, the Yankees will still have the two new free agent pitchers plus Joba Chamberlain and Wang. They still do not need Andy Pettitte at this point. It would be much more practical to have either Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, Chase Wright or Ian Kennedy vie for this last spot. With four top pitchers at the top of the rotation, it would by prudent to give one of those youngsters the fifth spot to allow them to develop in the major leagues. All those pitchers have performed well at Triple A and they need to be allowed to get major league hitters out. The history of teams over the last several years which have reached the post season, have been led by young, inexpensive home grown pitchers, all of which who had struggled early in their careers.

No matter what Mussina decides, the Yankees would be wise to let Pettitte walk, save the $10 million, get the two draft picks and allow one of the younger pitchers to work the 5th spot in the rotation. With the four top starters (Wang, Joba, two free agents) the Yankees would have the luxury of carrying a younger fifth starter who wouldn’t have the intense pressure of the 2008 season.

It would be better for the Yankees in the long run.