Looks Like Andy Pettitte in, Ben Sheets Out for Yankees

When I examine the Yankees roster, to me, it looks like they would be much better off with Ben Sheets instead of Andy Pettitte as their number five.

It is still early, but it looks like I won’t be getting my way.

SI’s Jon Heyman reported early this morning that the Yankees and Pettitte are conducting “serious talks” about the lefty’s return. At this point it appears the two sides are optimistic that something will get done.

The amount Pettitte would be making is of somewhat of a debate right now. Heyman reports that it could be for less guaranteed money than the $10 million the Yankees had on the table.

ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that the deal could be by this afternoon. He says it would be for $6 million guaranteed with another $6 million in incentives.

Fox Sport’s Ken Rosenthal pretty much confirms this belief. He reports that the guaranteed money could actually be less than $6 million, but also said that incentives would put him right around $12 million.

There is no word on what the incentives might be. They’re probably innings related, but as soon as word of that gets out I’ll pass it along.

Meanwhile, Sheets’ contract demands might be taking a downward turn. MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan is reporting that the Texas Rangers are “deeply concerned” about his medical records and are not willing to offer him a two-year deal.

Sheets’ agent, Casey Close, also Derek Jeter’s agent, would like to get the two New York teams into the fray in order to drive up the price according to Sullivan. It doesn’t appear either is biting though.

If things fall through with the Yankees and Pettitte, the situation could change. The way things look now, that seems unlikely, and Sullivan may be right when he reports that Sheets to Texas may be inevitable.

It’s a shame too considering the potential Sheets brings, although with Pettitte the team will probably be more stable.