Yankee Doodle Andy!
Yankees fans are nothing if not loyal. Once a player worms his way into our heart, it's hard to dislodge him. Scott Brosius was a mediocre ballplayer, yet he will always be loved by today's fans for his big homeruns in the 1998 and 2001 World Series. Three words: Scotty Brosius, MVP! Paul O'Neill was serenaded like few players are serenaded in Game 5 of the 2001 World Series, and on the downside of his career, Bernie Williams is more beloved than ever, as fans realize his playing days are coming to an end.
Thus, I am sure that most Yankees fans are like me pumped that Andy Pettitte is coming back. Not only was he a key cog during the 1996-2003 run of excellence - he pitched the game of a lifetime in Game 5 of the 1996 World Series - but he was an easy guy to like. A good citizen, hardworking, and humble. There was a period early in his career when the sentiment was that he lost it, but he rebounded and showed a heart of stone as he came through time and time again during the regular season and big playoff moments. Sure, he had his clunkers in the post-season, but he came up big in several clutch situations.
Bringing Pettitte back brings back someone who is beloved and someone who should round out the rotation nicely. He still seems to have plenty left, even if there is a question mark about his elbow. He should slot in nicely behind Chien-Ming Wang in the rotation and give them another arm they can count on in the playoffs. With a front three of Wang, Pettitte, and Mussina, they have the type of staff good enough to carry them through post-season series. Pettitte also gives the Yankees depth. They now can keep Jeff Karstens, Daryl Rasner, and the not-quite-ready-yet Philip Hughes at Triple A, along with newly acquired Humberto Sanchez, giving the Yankees numerous options if someone - hello Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano - is hurt.
The Yankees made a good off season potentially great with the signing of Pettitte. Welcome back Andy!