In the beginning of the week, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes had six wins apiece. Even though CC Sabathia was behind two wins, I still suspect he will lead the team in victories. This is why I wanted to see who fans thought would win the most besides CC. And the fans certainly made a definitive choice: Pettitte.
Burnett was the only starter not to earn a win last week.
Record columnist Bob Klapisch wrote about Pettitte’s future over the weekend, pointing out it’s not a question of ability or injury anymore. It’s just family.
Pettitte himself says, “it’s killing me not to be there watching my kids play ball. I hear it from my wife every day: “we can’t do it here without you.” In the winter, she was telling me to go (back to the Yankees). But as soon as I left, it was, “come home.”
“To be honest with you. If I put my mind to it, I could still be doing this until I’m 45,” he said. “It’s just a matter if I could do that to my family. I just don’t know the answer to that right now.” and, honestly, I don’t know.”
The 37-year-old was probably exaggerating when he said 45, but let’s say he wasn’t. Eight more years of even mediocre health easily would put him in line for 300 wins and a bid to the Hall of Fame. Right now, he’s probably not a Hall of Famer, but with 300 wins getting harder and harder to reach, he’d almost be a sure thing.
Next poll: Are you ready to move Teixeira down in the lineup?
