Pettitte, Mariano to be Signed this Week

According to ESPN writer Buster Olney, Andy Pettitte is just a day or two away from formally announcing his return to the New York Yankees. When he announces his return, the Yankees will also have a new contract to announce which will be in the $10-12 million range. With the Pettitte deal just about done, this gives the Yankees a great starting rotation for the 2013 season. CC Sabathia will lead the pact, followed by Hiroki Kuroda and Andy Pettitte. The Yankees now have many options for their fourth and fifth starters. Phil Hughes will surely fill out the fourth starter role in the last year of his contract with the Yankees before hitting free agency. Look for him to have a great year as he searches for a long term contract. Ivan Nova and David Phelps will battle it out for the fifth starter spot. Phelps has shown that he has what it takes to be a starter in the Major Leagues. Ivan Nova took a step backwards after a stellar rookie year in 2011. Of course, one of the three pitchers mentioned could be traded before the start of the season. Phil Hughes will be a good chip to trade if the Yankees don't intend to sign him after 2013. Also, Michael Pineda should be ready to enter the rotation in June but you can't make any guarantees after him undergoing major shoulder surgery last year.

Mariano Rivera is also close to getting signed on a one year contract in the $12-15 million range. Rivera was injured in May, tearing his ACL. He did not pitch for the Yankees down the stretch, which could raise some question marks about his effectiveness in 2013. The Yankees have insurance policies in the ninth inning with David Robertson and David Aardsma. Joba Chamberlain can also serve as a competent internal closer option after being one year removed from his Tommy John surgery.