As Kuroda Returns, Yankees Await Big Decision from Pettitte

By Guest
Updated: November 27, 2012

Guest post by Dan Benton via FeedCrossing…

With Hiroki Kuroda returning for the 2013 season, the New York Yankees will hope to get a key component for their starting rotation as they await the decision of Andy Pettitte.

The importance of Pettitte’s decision might be even greater now that Kuroda is back, and it would be easy to believe that the Yankees would want some assurance as to who will be in their rotation for 2013. With the huge moves made by the Toronto Blue Jays, a strong rotation will be a big necessity in a now much stronger AL East.

Even at the age of 40, Pettitte has continued to show that he still has what it takes to pitch effectively in the league. Last season, in just 12 starts, Pettitte went 5-4 with an ERA of 2.87. When healthy, Pettitte pitched well for the Yankees, and if he can have an injury free 2013 season, you can expect more of the same for the veteran left-hander.

If Pettitte is to return to the Yankees 2013, you can almost guarantee he will be the third starter, behind CC Sabathia, and Hiroki Kuroda. After that, the Yankees have a few other options. Phil Hughes seems to be a lock for the rotation after his strong 2012 season, and would most likely be the third starter if Pettitte does not return. Ivan Nova, David Phelps, and Michael Pineda, who might not be ready to return until, May are all solid options for the back end of the rotation.

To sum it all up, Andy Pettitte’s decision to return will be very important for the Yankees to have a reliable rotation heading into the 2013 season.

So, Yankees fans, how important do you think Andy Pettitte would be to a Yankees championship run in 2013? Sound off in the comments below.

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