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Can he win?
Andy Pettitte signing a minor-league deal for $2.5 million yesterday to rejoin the Yankees is a nice story.
Who doesn’t like Andy Pettitte in the Yankees’ universe? From CC Sabathia to Ivan Nova, Yankees pitchers adore him. Even Phil Hughes, who eventually could lose a rotation spot to Pettitte, gushed, “I love Andy.’’
Long-time teammates Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera revere Pettitte and manager Joe Girardi is a charter member of the Pettitte fan club. Former teammate Jorge Posada texted Pettitte to wish him luck.
That’s all warm and fuzzy, but the news that Pettitte is attempting a comeback only will be meaningful if he helps the Yankees win.
And that isn’t a lock. Pettitte, who will report to camp Tuesday, will be 40 in June and has not pitched in the big leagues since the 2010 ALCS against the Rangers after missing two months due to a strained left groin. He retired with 240 wins and 19 postseason wins (best all-time) to be with his family in Texas, so where will his head be apart from the loved ones who encouraged this move?
“I expect to be as good as I was,’’ said Pettitte, who was 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA and an All-Star appearance in 2010. “I will be disappointed if I am not.’’
Pettitte’s comeback attempt could be interrupted if he is called as a witness in Roger Clemens’ perjury trial. Jury selection starts April 16.
“That’s not anything that I would want to talk about,’’ Pettitte said. “That hasn’t entered into my mind.’’
General manager Brian Cashman and Pettitte spoke in December when Cashman asked Pettitte if he would sign for “$10, $11 or $12 million.’’ Pettitte told Cashman he couldn’t commit. The conversations continued, and when the Yankees signed Hiroki Kuroda and acquired Michael Pineda, the door appeared closed for Pettitte.
Nevertheless, on the final day of his three-day visit to camp as a guest instructor, Pettitte told Cashman he wanted to try it.
This past Tuesday morning Pettitte threw a secret bullpen session in front of Cashman, Girardi, pitching coach Larry Rothschild and scout Gene Michael.
“He was the same guy,’’ said Roman Rodriguez, who caught Pettitte. “It was like he never left.’’
Pettitte and Cashman hammered out the deal that will be finalized when Pettitte takes a physical. The contract isn’t guaranteed and has no incentives.
Cashman said he is more concerned about Pettitte’s legs than the arm because the lefty has thrown six or seven bullpen sessions in Texas. Pettitte is convinced his mind is prepared for a very difficult challenge.
“I don’t think I could do this unless I thought for sure mentally I could get back to where I was,’’ Pettitte said. “I believe I will get back mentally to where I was. If I am mentally right then I am going to win.’’
Obviously, if Pettitte makes it back to the big leagues it will be at the expense of another starter. Cashman said that would “complicate’’ things. Girardi said it “could make my job more difficult.’’
Freddy Garcia’s swollen right hand could keep him out two weeks and Michael Pineda’s fastball has been slow to arrive, but Cashman said signing Pettitte had nothing to do with those issues.
“This had nothing to do with anything going in camp whatsoever,’’ Cashman said.
As to when Pettitte would be ready to pitch in the big leagues, figure early May since pitchers need seven weeks of spring training to reach 100 pitches.
“Let’s see where this takes us,” Cashman said. “This guy knows how to pitch even when his stuff is not great. As long as he is healthy he is in position to help us.’’
george.king@nypost.com
