Andy Pettitte is a phenomenal pitcher.  There's no questioning that.  He retired while still pitching at the top of his game, and it seems he realized that.  After one year away from the game, Pettitte came back this year.  He got back into shape, tossed a couple minor league games, then joined the team he has known best, the New York Yankees.  The only down side to Pettitte's storybook return to baseball was the fractured leg he suffered as the result of a line drive.  Pettitte was able to come back from that, but now he must make a decision about whether he will hang up the glove for good or continue pitching.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, that decision should come by the end of next week.

friend of andy pettitte says he expects pettitte to decide on '13 by the end of next week. #yankees
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) November 22, 2012

Pettitte has pitched a grand total of 14 seasons for the Yankees.  He has pitched a total of 17 seasons in his career.  Overall, Pettitte is 245-142 with a 3.86 ERA.  Last season, Pettitte was dominant in 12 starts.  He posted a 2.87 ERA in 2012.

The Yankees have discussed a new contract with Pettitte, who is a free agent right now, but the 40-year old pitcher has yet to decide if he will return to the game.  If he does, the Yankees will have a veteran presence who can help the rest of the pitching staff and help the team win.  If he does not return, Pettitte's clock toward a potential Hall of Fame enshrinement starts.
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