This is shaping up to be a very frustrating offseason. I am terrified that the Yankees are going to make an idiotic move because the front office seems absolutely obsessed with “replacing” ARod at third base through a trade. Nevermind that is a ridiculous idea, and there is nobody available that is an upgrade to Betemit that is worth the asking price. The team should be looking for some power at first base instead (or beating Giambi with sticks until he can play there without dying again), not looking at getting Joe Crede who will be 30 when the season starts and is coming off back-surgery.
And now Andy is really taking his time to make his decision about next season.
Pettitte’s agent, Randy Hendricks, told the Associated Press in an e-mail message that the left-hander would not be able to reach a decision by Wednesday and will declare free agency instead.
“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,” Hendricks told the AP. “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.”
This is understandable and I don’t think he is going to go anywhere else, but I do think he will probably retire. Which not only saddens me personally but strikes the fear of KEI IGAWA IN THE ROTATION FOR NEED OF A LEFTY into my soul
In better news, since Wirtz kicked it passed on, there are actual Blackhawks home games on TV in Chicago. They made a few spots advertising this, and they’re pretty funny. You can watch them here (I tried to embed it but NHL.com’s embedded player sucks, broke the page and worst of all has autostart.)