Andy Pettitte's Cutter

Andy Pettitte is undecided about returning for another season with the Yankees. All indications are that if he does return, this will be his last season.

Andy has been an effective pitcher for the Yankees since his return to the team in 2007. In fact, he was working on one of his best seasons yet before succumbing to injury in July of this year.

For Andy, it's all about the cutter. The success of every outing is almost entirely determined by how well he's throwing his cut fastball, and he's been very proficient at locating the pitch. This is one of the big reasons he's done so well late in his career.

Andy Pettitte's Cutter vs. LHB 2008-10
Andy Pettitte's Cutter vs. RHB 2008-10
Andy Pettitte's Cutter since 2008

	P	PA	AVG	SLG	wOBA
vs. LHB	518	167	.151	.233	.169
vs. RHB	1037	293	.223	.385	.299

In 2010, Andy's cutter ranked in the 95th percentile in opponents' AVG, SLG and wOBA, as well as Contact%. One more year of that, or something close to it, would help the Yankees' rotation considerably, and may even be necessary if Lee signs elsewhere.

Opposite Andy

Andy Pettitte allows more home runs at home than on the road since the new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009. The biggest reason is that right-handed batters can take him deep the opposite way in The Bronx.

Andy Pettitte Home Runs allowed on the road to RHB, 2009-2010.

As you can see, it's rare for right-handed batters to go deep the other way against Andy on the road. At home it's a different matter.

Andy Pettitte home runs at home to RHB, 2009-2010.

If a Rangers hitter goes deep the other way against Pettitte Monday night, you can blame the stadium.