"The Yankees are sympathetic to an old friend's troubles. George Steinbrenner sent Pettitte a gift after the left-hander reached his 150th career victory on May 4 against the Pirates. And there was a warm telephone conversation with general manager Brian Cashman after Pettitte received his American League championship ring and a letter in the mail.
If there were any leftover hard feelings from last winter's negotiations with the Yankees, Pettitte seems to have absorbed them. But his damaged elbow vindicates members of the front office who urged Steinbrenner to think carefully before re-signing Pettitte. The Yankees ultimately offered him three years for $39 million, but they hesitated just long enough to allow the Astros to swoop down and pluck one of the Bombers most dependable lefties of the Joe Torre era."
I'm not saying Steinbrenner and "Yankee MVP" Cashman are angels from Heaven who never make mistakes. Contrary to common sentiment, they wanted Pettitte back. 3-year, $39 mill ain't chickenfeed. Pettitte may get healthy and live up to his contract in Houston in the long run.
But the Yankees specifically voiced concerns about the 4th year, especially after Pettitte refused to be examined by their doctors. Clemens, Lupica, and others pointedly and publicly mocked the Yankees for questioning the health of Pettitte's elbow. Damn right the members of the front office are vindicated.
No "George of the Bungle" cartoons anymore. How about a Daily News cartoon of Pettitte crawling back to George on his knees with his left elbow hanging from a frayed tendon? Classy.
Please also note how crazy Steinbrenner is acting towards Pettitte. Sending him gifts. How stubborn and mean and stupid and childish. Because that's Steinbrenner, we swear, that's Steinbrenner's personality.
Steinbrenner kept his mouth shut as Pettitte and Clemens jumped ship. Wished them well.
In sharp contrast to this supposedly classy organization.
They're family. They're the antidote to the Evil Empire. Running their best players out of town isn't enough, they also need a PR campaign so the fans turn against the player.
Cowboy up, Nomar. Come play 2b for the Yankees next year. Yippie kie yay.
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