Andy Pettitte Decides To Pass On Participating In World Baseball Classic
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte will not pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, general manager Brian Cashman confirmed.
The five-time World Series champion was previously unsure if he would participate in the tournament and play for manager Joe Torre. The 16-year veteran will skip the competition and fully devote himself to spring training in Tampa, Florida.
Team USA released its provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic on January 17, and the 40-year-old was left off it. The three-time All-Star had until February 20 to make a final decision about playing.
Pettitte agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with the Bronx Bombers back in November. In 2012 he went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 12 starts. He recorded 69 strikeouts to 21 walks.
First baseman Mark Teixeira is the only Yankee on the roster and David Wright is the only Met.
Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, who the Amazin's shipped to the Blue Jays for prospects this winter, is also on the squad.
"With this year's club, I knew what I needed to do," Torre told MLB.com. "[Just about] every single player I talked to personally ... every single one of them is excited about the prospects of representing the USA in this Classic, and that makes me excited. I managed a long time and I played a long time, and we have a lot of ability.
"But the thing that sets us apart is the desire and determination and pride you take in playing this game of baseball, and I sense that from the guys on this club."
The rest of Team USA's roster includes Jeremy Affeldt, J.P. Arencibia, Heath Bell, Willie Bloomquist, Mitchell Boggs, Ryan Braun, Steve Cishek, Tim Collins, Luke Gregerson, Derek Holland, Adam Jones, Craig Kimbrel, Jonathan Lucroy, Joe Mauer, Chris Perez, Glen Perkins, Vinnie Pestano, Brandon Phillips, Jimmy Rollins, Giancarlo Stanton, Shane Victorino, Ryan Vogelsong and Ben Zobrist.
Good news, Yankees fans? Sound off in the comments section below...
