|
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Multimedia Central Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities Work in Sports
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
Raggedy Andy Pettitte not sharp, but gets job done ... again
Updated: Saturday October 14, 2000 3:58 AM
By John Giannone, CNNSI.com In every corner of the Yankee clubhouse, they spoke in reverent tones, of the good fortune and positive energy Andy Pettitte brought to the swing-game assignment against the Mariners in Game 3 on Friday night. "He's one of the ultimate big-game pitchers," catcher Jorge Posada said. "A guy we all trust," first baseman Tino Martinez added. And from shortstop Derek Jeter: "Andy's great. I'm glad we have him at a time like this." It was that final rave that is especially poignant these days, especially when you consider Pettitte came this close to being stripped of his pinstripes. Only 15 months ago, Pettitte had imbedded himself so deeply inside George Steinbrenner's doghouse that his escape from New York was all but fashioned. To Philadelphia . . . or Phillipsburg . . . or the Phillipines. Anywhere but New York. Steinbrenner's patience -- perhaps even shorter than his fuse and more powerful than his wallet -- had been exhausted. Pettitte's struggles with his health, his repertoire and especially his confidence had The Boss demanding the dismissal of a valuable employee at the July 31 trade deadline. There were even foolish whispers in some corners of the Yankee hierarchy that Pettitte had somehow extinguished his fierce competitive fire after a television commercial two years ago in which he talked about his "personal relationship with God." "Almost every year since I've been up here, they have talked about trading me," Pettitte said, stretching the truth only a little bit. "I would say that for the most part, up until last year, it was to motivate me. "But I really feel and I'm almost positive that Mr. Steinbrenner was ready to get rid of me last year." "It was tough to come up with a reason why you didn't want to trade him because of the numbers he was putting up, or not putting up," manager Joe Torre said. Despite all the stumbling, Torre had his reasons for wanting Pettitte in the loop and in the rotation. Pettitte's mound tenacity and ability to pitch his best when his best is necessary has always endeared him to Torre. Last night's game was a perfect example of both qualities. Four Mariner baserunners reached scoring position in the first two innings, yet only one run scored. Every time the Mariners threatened to snatch the Yankee lead, Pettitte snatched Seattle's hope. The second half of this season lent more credence to Torre's beliefs: Thirteen starts, 10 victories, six starts in which Pettitte allowed two or fewer runs, 11 starts in which he handed the lead to the Yankee bullpen. Just as he did last night. Still, Torre knew all about Steinbrenner's stubbornness 15 months ago, about changing Steinbrenner's mind. It would've been easier changing lenses on the Hubble space telescope. "As far as what I said to George, this is my opinion that I don't think we should do it," Torre said. "I didn't go into chapter and verse because Andy didn't give me a whole lot of ammunition. "The only decision I felt should have been made was the fact that, you know, he's a young man, he's left-handed and what he did in '96." Torre's strongest talking point was his reference to Pettitte's remarkable performance in another playoff swing game: Game 5 of the 1996 World Series. With the series tied two games apiece, Pettitte -- shellacked by the Braves in the series opener -- outpitched John Smoltz in a classic 1-0 gut-check. Pettitte, then 24, even aided his cause that night in Atlanta with a memorable 1-6-3 double play. They are all pleasant memories now, for the Yankees, for Torre and especially for Pettitte, who isn't above giving thanks for one of the greatest trades never made. "Skip [Torre] stood by me and the organization stood by me . . . I'm here and for that I am very grateful," Pettitte said. "It has been special being on the Yankees . . . I would have missed it." Not half as much as the Yankees.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
