Can Andy Pettitte Still Be a Yankee Postseason Hero?
April 1, 2012 · Peter Alfano · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Major League Baseball added another wild-card team to the postseason this year, and the Yankees then added one of their own.
Andy Pettitte is back in pinstripes after a year in retirement with the expectation that life begins at 40 for savvy left-handers with borderline Hall of Fame numbers.
Pettitte turns 40 on June 15th, by which time the Yankees should know whether his return was ill-conceived or a godsend.
With Michael Pineda on the disabled list to start the season because of tendinitis in his right shoulder, and question marks attached to every other starter not named CC Sabathia, the Yankees and Pettitte are a comfortable fit.
He not only gives them experience, but he’s a big-game pitcher whose major contribution is probably going to come in the postseason.
Pettitte has a lot to prove, however, before the Yankees can pencil him in as a playoff starter.
Is he capable of matching his performance in 2010 when he was 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 21 starts?
Will he stay healthy?
Remember, he missed considerable time in 2010 after suffering a groin injury. He also had a stiff back toward the end of the regular season.
Is he too old?
Is he motivated? Did Pettitte come back because he was bored and had no life after baseball, or does his passion for the game run deeper than many imagined of this unassuming Texan?
Pettitte will have an extended spring training to get his arm and legs in shape before joining the Yankees. If all goes well, these are the attributes he brings to the Bronx:
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