NASHVILLE – Andy Pettitte wanted the Yankees to know they could count on him with or without Johan Santana.
“Andy talked to [Derek] Jeter, [Jorge] Posada, [Joe] Girardi and [Brian] Cashman. He knew they were putting a team together and he decided to tell them that they can count on him,” agent Randy Hendricks explained. “He said, ‘Let’s do it. I am in.’ ”
Since Pettitte’s decision, which was strongly supported by wife Laura, was made public Sunday, it was assumed that Pettitte had inside information about the Yankees getting Santana. According to Hendricks, that was wrong.
“This has nothing to do with Santana,” Hendricks said.
Pettitte, who was 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 36 games (34 starts) and pitched a gem in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Indians, will likely get the same $16 million player option that vanished when he filed for free agency. He is 201-113 with a 3.83 career ERA.
Since the deal isn’t official, Cashman refused to comment on it last night.
“Andy and I talked Friday and he said that Laura said, ‘Go play.’ ”
Hendricks said. “On Saturday, Andy told me, ‘I am ready to go back and play. I called [Brian] Cashman and didn’t get him.’ ”
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The Yankees officially announced a two-year, $4 million deal for backup catcher Jose Molina. To make room on the 40-man roster the Yankees designated former starting first baseman Andy Phillips for assignment.
If he isn’t traded or signs elsewhere as a free agent, Phillips could return, but that didn’t sound likely since Cashman mentioned Shelley Duncan, Wilson Betemit and Jason Giambi as candidates to play first.
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Since he has turned down several requests to deal Kyle Farnsworth, Cashman said “The Mop” will be back for the 2008 season. Even after Joba Chamberlain took his setup job a year ago. Chamberlain is being counted on as a starter this coming season.
“Our new manager [Joe Girardi] caught him with the Cubs and he is high on him,” Cashman said of Farnsworth, who was 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA in 64 games last year when he ripped Joe Torre, showed up Posada on the mound and continued to have back issues that limited his availability. “I think he is here to stay. I doubt we will move him. We are going to need him.”
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If Cashman upgrades the bullpen, it will likely come from a trade instead of a free agent sign since he believes the market – $2 million a year for Jeremy Affeldt – is too steep.
Cashman said $46 million bust Kei Igawa could be moved from starter to reliever. There is also a chance Igawa could be dealt this week. Most likely it would be to an NL team.
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The Yankees announced a spring training schedule that opens with South Florida on Feb. 29 in Tampa, includes a March 18 trip to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., and ends with a two-game series against the Marlins at Dolphin Stadium (March 28-29).
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Pitchers and catchers will undergo physicals Feb. 14 and position players will do the same five days later.