While I agree with critics of Pettitte’s declining performance, steroid lying and “I don’t care about the money.” hypocrisy, I think it might be important to have a NY-tested, veteran starting pitcher around to show C.C. and A.J. the ropes in Yankee-Land. Because of his age, temperment and lack of communication skills, I don’t think Wang is the guy to help ease the transition for the newcomers — and Mussina is gone as well. If the Yankees acquire another new guy, we might have situation like with Hughes and Kennedy — where they clinged to each other in the dugout when things got rough. At the press conference, Burnett seems like he’s leaning on Sabathia already. Bad sign. Pettitte should be sitting between them, talking about past post-seasons — and how to handle the boo birds.

Dear Hank S
We need abusive steorid users! We need Roger Clemens!

I know Andy had a down second half, but for the amount of money spent on Burnett, going to 14 or 15 on Andy isn’t a big deal as an insurance policy. Sabathia is a horse, but the rest of the rotation has question marks. Wang is returning from an injury, Burnett has a bad injury past, Joba was hurt last year, and has never pitched more than 100 innings in a season. behing those guys you have Kennedy and Hughes, who should both start the season in the minors. And then there’s Aceves, who pitched well last year in the minors, and a brief September stint, but is a mostly unknown commodity. Andy slots in well in the rotation ,and should bounce back healthy next year. Even if he only wins 14-15 games next year, he’ll give you 200 innings, and a 4 ERA. In the AL East, that’s not too shabby.