Andy Will Be Just Dandy

Andy Pettitte looks to get on pace after a rainy March has limited his innings pitched this spring.

With a lack of ‘live game’ work during this spring training, questions are starting to arise as to whether or not Andy Pettitte will be ready for the start of the season. The Yankees #3 starter has made just one Grapefruit League appearance this spring, a St. Patrick’s Day start against the Phillies in which he threw four innings of two-run ball. Outside of that one start, rain put a halt on any other Grapefruit League action Pettite should have seen. Granted he won’t pitch until the 3rd game of the regular season, there is still some concern due to the fact that he has only 5 innings of Grapefruit League action to date for this spring. He has pitched in simulated games, as well as intrasquad games, so he has been getting some work. Despite his struggles to take on other MLB clubs, Pettitte is maintaining a positive attitude and in regards to the lack of innings pitched this spring was quoted as saying:

“It doesn’t matter, to tell you the truth.  I will be ready,and there’s no excuses. I’m ready. I feel like if they needed me to go right now and pitch against Boston, I’ll go pitch and battle my tail off.”

When asked about Pettitte’s situation, manager Joe Girardi was quoted as saying:

“Sometimes these things are a huge blessing in disguise. He’s still got one more start, and he did get to face [hitters] one inning today. I wish it would have been more, but it’s not. We did the best we could and it didn’t work out. It’s not what you want, but you deal with it. I don’t think it’s going to be a difference in July or June.”

Pettitte is expected to throw against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, April 2nd at 1:05pm in Tampa. The game will be aired on YES and ESPN. With his experience and knowledge of the game, I believe this won’t have a huge affect on Andy. He has been pitching outside of spring training games, and has been on the field early each day getting his work in. Let’s hope the sun is shining on Friday so Andy can get one last outing before heading to Boston for the 1st series of the season.

What are your thoughts on Andy Pettitte’s current situation? Do you think the lack of Grapefruit League innings will have any affect on his performance at the start of the season? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

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