The Respectable Decision of Andy Pettitte

   Andy Pettitte threw 50 pitches on Tuesday in his first bullpen session of the spring.  Pettitte retired from the Yankees but didn't want to have any regrets about it, so he signed a contract last Friday giving him a chance to comeback with the team.  It's tough to leave a game that has become a way of life for these type of players, just ask former NFL quarterback Brett Favre.  Pettitte reported that after throwing that session in Tampa he felt good, and impressed everybody in camp as he will continue on his quest to pitch in New York this season. 
   This quest that Andy Pettite has returned to accomplish is a far cry from that of some free agent players such as Roy Oswalt who is also at the tail end of a very good career.  After eleven seasons with the Astros and  Phillies, Oswalt filed for free agency in October.  He hasn't signed with any team as of yet although the Red Sox, Rangers, and Cardinals have all shown interest.  His agent, Bob Garber, stated that "Roy has every intention of pitching for a contending club at some point this season."  At some point this season?  After spring training when a young player earned his spot on the roster?  The fact that Oswalt wants another chance to pitch in the postseason is understandable at this point of his career.  Pitching for a contender with a chance to play in the World Series surely made Andy Pettitte's decision to return with the Yankees that much easier, but there is a right and a wrong way to go about everything. 
   Oswalt intends to wait and see who the contenders will be before announcing his decision, and the Cardinals and Rangers are at the top of his list.  It has been reported that he could possibly make his return in June, however that's nearly half way through the season.  Andy Pettitte joined his team in spring training, put on the pinstripes and went to work.  He didn't leave his team guessing into June whether or not he feels like being there.  He showed up and even made the comment, "It's weird to say, but I feel like I never left."  His teammates feel the same way, and if they don't that feeling will be present when the Yankees break camp and head north.  He is helping the Yankees by eliminating the distraction of his return from the regular season when winning is the main goal.  He didn't wait until June to create a whirlwind around the team, to announce his return from retirement. 
   Whatever team signs Roy Oswalt will without doubt be getting a determined pitcher ready to help the club reach the postseason.  However, the events surrounding such an announcement will also create a stir around the team that if the decision backfires will only produce an uneasy environment inside the clubhouse and among the fans.  What about the pitcher who made the team out of spring training, that will end up in the minor leagues whenever Oswalt decides to sign a contract? Andy Pettite stated that he felt a little "embarrassed" when he announced his desire to pitch with the Yankees after a year of retirement.  As stated earlier, however, there is a right and wrong way to do everything and Andy Pettitte should in no way feel embarrassed about continuing his dream and pursuing it in a respectful manner.