Hey, Andy Pettitte: Are You a New York Yankee or Aren't You?

To the commoners, six million dollars sounds like a ton of money. 

Generally speaking, it is quite a healthy amount. 

In today's economy, six million may very well keep some businesses afloat. 

Not to mention help some of the less fortunate in the world.

For a Major League pitcher who has pocketed over 77 million Yankee dollars over the span of 11 years in pinstripes, six million clams is chump change, petty cash, small potatoes. 

So why is it that one of the great Yankee pitchers of recent memory, a man who began his baseball life as a Yankee, is allowing six million dollars to keep him out of the Yankee rotation? 

There is the fact that the Yankees just dished out almost a half billion to three players.  Perhaps Andy feels he is just as valuable to the Yankees, considering his tenure.  Really, he is right.  If six million is chump change to Andy, it's what the Yankee organization finds in its couch cushions.

But the fact remains, the ball is in Andy's court.  The Yankees made their position loud and clear with a pay cut from $16 million to approximately $10 million for one year's work.  Andy has been advised by his agents that this is too drastic a cut for him to take advantage of.  They have convinced him his value is much higher, and a multi-year deal is in order as well.

The thing that really doesn't sit right is that Andy started as a Yank.  He has a great opportunity to end his career as a Yank.  This is possibly one of the best Yankee teams since 2001, preparing for the inaugural year of the new Yankee Stadium.  He has a chance to show his veteran presence, on a team that has a great mix of youth, talent, and potential.  What is not to like?

Oh yes, the six million again.  At this point, isn't that just a number?  Is Andy Pettitte so hung up on the numbers, that he will allow his legacy to suffer for it.  Will he take a pass on what has been his best chance to earn another ring since Y2K over six million?

How silly will he feel, if he is pitching for the Dodgers, Astros, or Rangers next year, and he has to watch the Yankees fulfill their potential from afar?  That is assuming a lot, but surely the Yankees will contend with this current roster, with or without Andy.  

He won't make or break a season for the Yanks, it's the sentimental side of things that has them calling him home.  There are plenty of options other than Pettitte, he must see this.  They want to provide an opportunity for him every bit as much as they need him to perform. 

Andy was welcomed home by not only the Yankees but the fans, after his involvement in not only his own Mitchell report dealings, but his association with the Rocket as well.  Both the Yanks and their fans could have turned their back on Pettitte, they did just the opposite.  They forgave, and welcomed Andy with open arms.  After all, we're all human, right?

Andy has said if he plays ball and does not retire, he will not play anywhere but the Yankees.  That sure does look good on paper—a very honorable and respectable approach. 

With all the history, success, and turmoil overcome in the marriage of Pettitte and the Yanks, one has to wonder how sincere Pettitte is about being a Yankee after he shunned this offer.

Before the Sabathia signing, an article was written recently about the fact that CC Sabathia may not want to be a Yankee.  The article pointed out, if he doesn't want it, no amount of money is worth him coming to NY.  If you don't want to be a Yankee, the Yankees don't want you.  That same sentiment was relayed to Alex Rodriguez when he opted out of his contract not too long ago.

Bottom line Andy—either you're a Yankee or you are not.  Your haggling may very well have cost you the opportunity to even be one if you choose to now.  This is not to say you're not wanted, you're a hero to Yankee fans.  Please quit making decisions with your wallet this late in your career, choose from the heart and the right choice will be made. 

Andy, are you a Yankee or not?