This was really all about respect . Pettitte said for 14 million a year
he would have stayed in Houston. Believe it or not , that price was
under the going rate for pitcher with Andy's skills and experience.
At his press conference today, Pettitte said , "he was shocked
at the way the Astros negotiated," with his agent Randy Hendricks .
Apparently the Astros were locked on their 12 million dollar offer
and wouldn't budge . But the big problem was with the player's
option for 16 million dollars in 2008.
According to Hendricks , he told both the Astros and the Yankees ,
"if andy was hurt and unable to play he would not exercise the option."
"Apparently , the Astros couldn't except that and the Yankees did,
that's the difference."
Now I believe Pettitte to be an honest man, and the only pro athlete I
know who might really walk away from 16 million.
However, looking at the Astros perspective , they just finished paying
major money to Jeff Bagwell eventhough he couldn't play.
So who can blame them for not wanting to roll the dice and be stuck
in the same situation again.
Its really a shame it didn't workout . Andy Pettitte playing for the Astros
just felt good. He's a great pitcher , and an even better person.
He's also staying true his word. Pettitte said he was coming back
to Houston to be closer to his family and that won't change.
Only this time the whole Pettitte clan is moving to the New York .
His kids will leave their schools in Deer Park and join their dad in the big apple .
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