Petit Pettitte

Ok- the Yankees have endures a spending ogre over the last month.

I get it.

Before they went on their drunken adventures, they offered Andy Pettitte - a rock solid performer and playoff hero from the past - 10 Million a year for one year. It is a retirement contract.

He made 16 Million last year and performed well. Not 1998 well, but well.

He has recently rejected their 10 Million dollar offer. That was probably dumb, but he did it.

The Yankees could do a HUGE service to their own PR and legacy by offering him the full 16 Million. Here is what is wrong with the Yankees - through examples...

1) Bernie Williams - a legend in centre field for the Yankees. He wanted to play one more year! They didn't even invite him to camp. He hasn't even officially retired yet.

2) Reggie Jackson - he wanted to extend his contract into the 80s. The Yanks thought he was done- he signed with the Angels and did just fine.

3) Babe Ruth - the man built Yankee Stadium, and all he wanted was a say in how the team was run. They wouldn't let him stay in a Yankee uniform for an extra year. So, he went and played for the Reds as a Player/Manager.

All three examples prove the same point - the Yankees are a team that is steeped in their own history, but when that "history" wants to do their "farewell" tour (like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did in LA for the Lakers - and they let him, despite the fact he was dragging the team down) the Yanks are not willing to let them take the stage.

This year, despite their mega signings - they passed on lots of great players who were productive, and could have come back - Giambi, Abreu, and now, presumably Pettitte.

They don't want to be the hero anymore, they just want to be there.

Opening day without Andy Pettitte at the new stadium would be a crime against Yankee-anity.

It is only six million for Christ's sake- you will probably make that much on Pettitte merchandise over the year. You just spent 435 Million on people who have NEVER contributed to the Yankee legacy.

You know who is watching?

Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

Be careful Steinbrenners. Or Maybe AROD's record breaking Home-run will be hit in Chicago.