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'A different perspective': How Andy Pettitte plans to attack new role with Yankees

pete caldera, northjersey.com
·3 min read
11

NEW YORK – In his loosely defined new role as a Yankees pitching adviser, Andy Pettitte’s job description is to be…well, Andy Pettitte.

“I hope I can be just a good sounding board for some guys,’’ Pettitte said of adding “maybe a different perspective’’ from a borderline Hall-of-Fame career. “I guess they like having me around.’’

For now, Pettitte’s main objective is “just trying to get to know a lot of guys,’’ through personal conversations, observing bullpens and watching videos of past outings.

“I’ve been in contact with a lot of them, but not all of them,’’ said Pettitte. “Just trying to get comfortable with everybody.’’

Andy Pettitte's new Yankees role

Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte tips his hat after being taken out of the game 10/7/1999 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx during Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series. Texas Rangers at New York Yankees.
Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte tips his hat after being taken out of the game 10/7/1999 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx during Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series. Texas Rangers at New York Yankees.

Speaking prior to throwing out Tuesday night’s ceremonial first pitch before the Bronx version of the Mets-Yankees Subway Series, Pettitte said he planned to be more immersed as an adviser in 2024.

“I won’t be with the club every day,’’ though Pettitte will be around “as much as possible’’ in 2023, including select road trips.

Before the pandemic, Pettitte, 51, traveled the Yankees minor league system in an advisory role.

Pettitte said that conversations about his current position had been “in the works for awhile.’’

Yet, things came together quickly in recent weeks, with his youngest son – whom he coached in baseball – headed to college this fall.

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Still, “I felt like I’ve been in the mix,’’ Pettitte said of staying in touch with pitching coach Matt Blake, bullpen coach Mike Harkey and other staffers.

“The more he can be here, the better,’’ said manager Aaron Boone of Pettitte supplementing the staff.

Andy Pettitte's championship resume

Former New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte walks on the field to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Yankees and the New York Mets, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Former New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte walks on the field to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Yankees and the New York Mets, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Two weeks ago, the Yankees brought in a .302-career MLB hitter in Sean Casey to replace Dillon Lawson, with no big-league experience, as the new batting coach.

Pettitte’s resume – eight pennants, five world championships, 256 career wins, etc. – can be found on his plaque at Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park.

On the current staff, Blake and assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel never pitched in the majors, while Pettitte has the most wins (19) in postseason history.

As a player, Pettitte had the benefit of being advised by Yankees pitching royalty, including Ron Guidry and Mel Stottlemyre.

“They’ve been through it, not only in the big leagues but here,’’ said Pettitte. “The pinstripes are a little bit different…you have to kind of embrace that.’’

Boosting the Yankees' pitching staff

Jul 7, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) reacts during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium.
Jul 7, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) reacts during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium.

In that sense, Pettitte could be an invaluable source for fellow lefty Carlos Rodon, the $162 million free agent who starts Wednesday’s Subway Series finale.

It’s been a tough first three Yankees starts for Rodon, with a 7.36 ERA since coming off the injured list and a weird moment last week at Anaheim.

After a rough first two innings against the Angels, Rodon let some fans’ taunts get to him and he reacted by blowing a kiss toward the stands behind the Yankees dugout.

Meanwhile, Nestor Cortes (rotator cuff strain) is due to return to the Yankees rotation around the first weekend of August. And the Yanks – according to Pettitte – have identified some issues with Luis Severino (6.46 ERA, 11 starts), possibly related to tipping pitches.

“Obviously, a lot of the stuff that goes on is really new for me as far as the analytical stuff,’’ said Pettitte, who is open to learning that side.

But his expertise comes from 18 big-league seasons, most of them spent in the sharp New York spotlight.

“I’ve been through it,’’ Pettitte said. “Right here, I’ve been in their shoes.’’

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Andy Pettitte: Yankees pitching advisor talks new role