January 11, 2009

Pettitte Has Put a Black Mark Next to Legacy

By turning down the Yankees' 1-year, $10mm offer the other day, Andy Pettitte did a number of things; he not only all but removed himself from the Yankees 2009 rotation, but he has forever put a black mark on his Yankee legacy. One larger than when he tested positive for human growth hormone (HGH). For a little more than a decade now, Pettitte has been adored by Yankee fans and has been a face of the franchise. They have always stood by each other. When Pettitte was apologizing about the HGH results, the Yankees took him in and allowed him the time he needed. All along this off-season, Pettitte has claimed that "he only wants to play for the Yankees" and that he wants to play in the new stadium. However, now that he's rejected their offer (which is quite fair for a pitcher who went 14-14 last year) it appears that those are publicity-lies, meant to look good. Now I'm not against Pettitte. In fact, I'd love it if he comes back. But if he doesn't take their offer and joins another team instead, his reputation, his legacy, will be ruined.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is very sad to see Andy go out like this, especially after it seemed we had patched up the ill feelings from the first messy divorce. I don't feel bitter about it, as he has every right to try for a larger contract, just a tremendous sadness that this is how he wants to end his carrer. Even on the slim chance there is a compromise and he inks a contract paying him up to $13 mil with incentives, he still looks like a shithead who went back on his word. I'm sure there is a large section of fans who aren't as forgiving as me and will still hold it against him at Old Timer's Day in 2029. It's just sad.

Anonymous said...

yeah i agree with Rev JMO