We won’t Pettitte in 2011

According to multiple sources, Andy Pettitte will announce his retirement from baseball at a press conference tomorrow. Joel Sherman reports that Pettitte’s heart was just not into it this year.

Of course I’m sad about the news, as any Yankee fan should be, but, realistically, how much of an impact could Pettitte have made at 38 years of age? He injured his groin in July of last year and didn’t return until late September. What makes you think that he could have lasted a whole season in 2011? Not to mention the stress and whatnot that the Clemens trial in July will bring.

Don’t get me wrong, I would have loved to have him back for another year. He definitely would have helped out with the starting rotation, or lack thereof, but I don’t think his retirement is the end of the world. The Yanks will figure something out.

We’ll never misremember what you’ve done for the organization, Andy. You’re terrifying stare and filthy pick-off move will be greatly missed. I can’t wait until they retire 46 at The Stadium in the near future. Good luck in whatever you do after hanging up the spikes.

What can be said about Pettitte that hasn’t already been said? He made is NYY debut on April 29, 1995, going 2/3 inning in relief of Melido Perez in a win against the Royals. His final start came just a few months ago on October 18, when he recovered after a shaky start to throw 7 innings of two-run, five-hit ball in a loss to the Rangers in Game 3 of the ALCS. In between, he went 240-138 with a 3.88 ERA, 117 ERA+, 2,251 K, 962 BB, 0.8 HR/9, 2.8 BB/9, 6.6 SO/9, 2.34 SO/BB and 3,185 H in 3,055 1/3 innings over 16 seasons (three with the Astros). That’s not including his five World Series titles and all-time record of 19 postseason wins, which is not surprising when you consider he only missed the playoffs three times (2004, 2006 and 2008) in his career.

The news has already spread to Tatooine: