Andy Pettite has decided to decline his 16 million dollar player option and has become a free-agent. Pettite has issued a statement saying that if he did come back for the 2008 season, it would only be for the Yankees, so this decision just means that he needs to take more time to consider whether or not he wants to come back and commit to a full season of baseball again.
Here is the statement from his agent Randy Hendrick's:
"I have spoken with Brian Cashman, who has reiterated what Hank Steinbrenner said about the Yankees wanting to give Andy all the time he needs to decide about next season."
"Accordingly, we are declining to exercise the option for 2008 and Andy will declare free agency in order to free up a roster spot for the Yankees.
"If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement. He appreciates the Yankees' willingness to give him the time he feels he needs. I do not expect him to make a decision for quite some time."
Give him some time...I still think he will be back.
Peter Abraham has audio directly from Cashman about Pettite's decision:
