A player must really be on the fence if he’s willing to walk away from $16 million. That’s the scenario facing Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, who declined an option that would’ve paid him that amount. His agent claims the move was to open up a roster spot for the Yanks, but maybe the pitcher is realizing he doesn’t want to help anchor a staff under a new coach and with so many new faces.

“Obviously, we want Andy to stay with the Yanks and pitch for us in ‘08. In fact, I’d say I need him to,” said [Brian] Cashman, the team’s general manager. “He’s an important piece for us. … We’re hopeful that at some point that the marriage of the Pettittes and the Yankees can continue.”

Yes, you do need him, Cashman. Alex Rodriguez is gone; Roger Clemens, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada have yet to resign; and their coach of 12 years is now sunning in Los Angeles. The GM better do everything in his power to get Pettitte and the stability he brings to the rotation. How far can a team led by only Derek Jeter and Chen-Ming Wang can go? As far as the Boston Red Sox let them.

Retirement on horizon? Pettitte declines Yankees option [ESPN]
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