Andy Pettitte is quite simply the best #2 pitcher the major leagues has seen since Nolan Ryan with the Astros or, for a longer period, Don Drysdale with the Dodgers.
Replacing him, should he prematurely retire, is of a taller order than usual, however, because of his consistency and emotional stability he provides the team and its fans.
Honestly, does anyone really worry about Pettitte when he pitches? Sure, we know he'll fail sometimes, but he's not a head case.
I know he should come back, but if he retires and stays retired, I can't begrudge him. I can't bear to see a Roger Clemens will-he-won't-he with Pettitte. Especially if his evil wife is going to make Andy's decisions for him. (To be fair, she seems like a very nice person.)
This is what he's brought to the Yankees, regarding staff rank among starters from 1995-2003 and 2007:
GS: 3rd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 4th, 1st, 1st
W: 2nd, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd
ERA: 4th, 1st, 2nd, 5th, 4th, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 3rd, 2nd
IP: 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 4th, 1st
K: 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 3rd, 3rd, 5th, 3rd, 1st
The team, from a short-term standpoint, would have to replace its leader in innings and games pitches and strikeouts. Looking at Pettitte's long-term history, the team would also be replacing a guy who is a good bet to toe the mound the most (three times league leader) and a 50-50 or so chance of leading in innings and/or wins. He's a lock for 200 innings, barring injury. Even with the injuries he's had, he's managed nine 200-inning seasons, including three in a row. Oddly, enough, entering his age-36 season, he's as much of an ace as he's been in 10 years.
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