Andy Pettitte will retire at the end of the season

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by Runscott

I wouldn't vote for him either, but as you point out, the voters took Sutton, and, even worse, Phil Niekro. Regardless of his level of honesty regarding PEDs, I still think it will be interesting to see how the voters react to his career. They've 'spoken' regarding far better players who didn't show a shred of honesty.

Don't forget Gaylord Perry, too.

[thetruthisoutthere]

I've been a Yankees fan for 50 years, but I will always be objective when it comes to the Hall Of Fame.

He's borderline, and I don't think he will get it.

Great career though and I'm glad he was on the Yankees for the majority of his career.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by thetruthisoutthere

Don't forget Gaylord Perry, too.

Sutton, Niekro and Blyleven all belong in the 'Hall of very good' - Gaylord Perry is above them (in my opinion), but not hall-worthy.

It's all just opinion, so hopefully no one gets bent out of shape. I just feel that the HOF should be more exclusive, but it is what it is: the "Hall of Very Good and Better, or Very Popular with the Sportswriters" or the HOVGBVPS

[RCMcKenzie]

I would describe him as a very rich man's Erik Bedard, but I'm just a bitter Astro's fan that is hacked that he went back to NY.

[barrysloate]

I was looking at Pettitte's career stats and there was one number I found astonishing: in 18 seasons, encompassing 255 wins, he pitched....4 shutouts! Just shows you how the game has changed. He also had 25 complete games, which averages to less than one and a half per season. Those are amazingly miniscule totals.

But he was a terrific pitcher who had a wonderful career. Even at 41 he's pitched some really gritty games for a struggling team.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I was looking at Pettitte's career stats and there was one number I found astonishing: in 18 seasons, encompassing 255 wins, he pitched....4 shutouts! Just shows you how the game has changed. He also had 25 complete games, which averages to less than one and a half per season. Those are amazingly miniscule totals.

But he was a terrific pitcher who had a wonderful career. Even at 41 he's pitched some really gritty games for a struggling team.

Yeah, Pettite is certainly a curious case of a modern day workhorse or innings eater who never really completed games. I'm sure a majority of that had to do with the general Yankees philosophy throughout most of his career of just getting to the 7th or 8th inning and handing it over to a usually dominant bullpen.

Andy didn't like giving in to batters in close games either, so he would throw a lot of pitches during most at bats, trying to get guys to chase, nibbling at the corners, giving up lots of walks and singles. Probably a reason why his WHIP was never really an impressive number outside of that one great year with Houston.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Yeah, Pettite is certainly a curious case of a modern day workhorse or innings eater who never really completed games. I'm sure a majority of that had to do with the general Yankees philosophy throughout most of his career of just getting to the 7th or 8th inning and handing it over to a usually dominant bullpen.

Andy didn't like giving in to batters in close games either, so he would throw a lot of pitches during most at bats, trying to get guys to chase, nibbling at the corners, giving up lots of walks and singles. Probably a reason why his WHIP was never really an impressive number outside of that one great year with Houston.

I still can't get used to seeing a pitcher throw say seven shutout innings, then get yanked for a reliever. The philosophy of sticking with a hot pitcher rarely applies today. Why not let the guy finish the shutout?

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I still can't get used to seeing a pitcher throw say seven shutout innings, then get yanked for a reliever. The philosophy of sticking with a hot pitcher rarely applies today. Why not let the guy finish the shutout?

They are really conscious about pitch counts nowadays, to the point there are now controversies about guys staying in to finish no-hitters, forget about shutouts.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I still can't get used to seeing a pitcher throw say seven shutout innings, then get yanked for a reliever. The philosophy of sticking with a hot pitcher rarely applies today. Why not let the guy finish the shutout?

Specialized pitching has completely changed the way that the pitching component of a team is now managed. I do not believe that it is to the benefit of the game FWIW. Unfortunately the horse has left the barn and I don't see this trend changing any time soon...