Yankees decline salary arbitration with Pettitte, others
Sports Network | December 01, 2008
Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - Pitcher Andy Pettitte and right fielder Bobby Abreu were both not offered salary arbitration by the New York Yankees prior to a midnight (et) deadline on Monday.
Both players earned $16 million last season, but because the Yankees declined to offer arbitration they won't receive compensation in the form of draft picks should the two choose to sign with another team this winter.
Other players who were not offered arbitration were first baseman Jason Giambi; pitchers Sidney Ponson, Carl Pavano and Mike Mussina; and catchers Ivan Rodriguez and Chad Moeller.
Pettitte posted a 14-14 record with a 4.54 ERA in 33 starts last season, while Abreu hit .296 with 20 homers and 100 RBI in 2008.
Mussina announced his retirement on November 20 after 18 seasons in the major leagues.
