Dandy Andy Pettitte Defying Expectations

He came into the season as the fifth starter, the man who was supposed to eat innings and relieve some of the burden from a young Joba Chamberlain. Six months later, he may be the difference maker the Yankees need to go deep in the playoffs. Andy Pettitte has quietly emerged from the All Star break looking like the Andy of old.  Since the July siesta, Pettitte has gone 4-1, thrown 59.2 innings, allowing 45 hits, 15 walks, 3 home runs, and striking out 62. A 4:1 k/BB ratio?  A WHIP a mere fraction over 1.00?  Color me surprised. Ross from New Stadium Insider and myself had a brief back and forth about Andy back in July.  He was more optimistic about Pettitte's second half than I was. Could you blame me?  Pettitte's first half was spotty, at best: 107.2 innings, 121 hits, 15 home runs, 43 walks, 70 strikeouts.  Not exactly the stuff of aces. No one was expecting Pettitte to be an ace.  And, despite his great second half, no one still should expect Pettitte to be an ace. What he may do, though, is what he was supposed to do in April: take some of the pressure off of Joba come October and give the Yankees an above average pitcher to go in game three. Despite his reputation as a big game pitcher, Pettitte's K/BB and HR/9 ratios in the postseason are pretty close to his career averages.  Pettitte has pitched some great games in the postseason.  He's also had his share of stinkers. Hopefully, Andy's elbow is feeling good and he'll prove to be an invaluable member of the staff come October.  Then, it will be time for yet another will he/won't he winter contract negotiation.  If Pettitte finishes 2009 strong, there is little reason not to bring him back.