Andy Pettitte Declares Himself “Ready To Help” The Yankees

Clearwater, FL. – Andy Pettitte, a member of the “Core Four” New York Yankees superstars is ready to rejoin the Yankees after a 96 pitch outing in Florida last night at the Phillies facilities.

Pettitte said in a post game interview,

“I feel I’m strong enough and ready to make my next start with [the Yankees]. I feel good and it was another solid day. I felt the quality of pitches were as good as I’ve had in any of my starts up to now, and I was able to hold my velocity throughout [the outing]. I feel like I’m ready to help the team. The first three innings, I had a tough time locating my fastball in. After that, my location was good with all of my pitches and I was able to really work on a lot of things. I am comfortable with all my pitches and my command. Everything feels good.”

Pettitte gave up 6 runs in the performance, 5 earned. He gave up ten hits, struck out 8 and walked none. 71 of his 96 pitches were thrown for strikes.

Pettitte explained that pitching in the minors gave him the luxury of being able to be hyper aggressive, which also lead to a first inning three run blast by Trey Ford.

Pettitte said of the pitch Ford slammed,

“He had swung over top of the pitch in his previous at-bat [for a strikeout] and that’s just something I have to be able to do [in the Majors]. If I’m going to throw that pitch in that situation, I have to throw it out of the strike zone. Down here [in extended spring training], I get too aggressive, and he made a good swing on it, too. But it’s good, because I know where I am with my pitches and what I have to do to be successful.”

Pettitte said that he hopes his next start is with the Yankees but he would understand in management makes him throw another minor league game.

Pettitte has made 479 regular-season starts and amassed a 240-130 mark over his 16-year career with the Yankees and Houston Astros. He retired in 2010 and came back to rejoin the Yankees this season.

Speaking about playing for the Yankees again he said,

“I’m excited, and I’m ready to get up there and do whatever I can to help. I know Joe [Girardi] isn’t expecting me to toss 110 pitches every time out, but he wants me to be healthy and ready to go once I’m there. I’m under no pressure, because those guys have a great ballclub. I just want to be right and strong to contribute once I’m there.”