The wait is finally over. Andy Pettitte will be back in pinstripes in 2008. He declined his ‘08 player option for $16 million last month citing he was either going to play for the Yankees in 2008 or retire.

According to the Houston Choncrile., Pettitte told former Houston Astro teammates and current Yankee teammates that he would come back and play in the Bronx this season. Pettitte’s agent Randy Hendricks has informed the Yankees of Andy’s decision.

“Many teammates have called urging Andy to return as well as manager Joe Girardi,” Hendricks said. “It’s well known that the Yankees have publicly stated that they were ready for Andy when Andy was ready.”

The decision to return to the Yanks is a big one, as the Yanks’ offseason agenda continues to progress. The agreements with Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez and now Pettitte, assure New York that most of their heavy lifting this winter is done. Pettitte was 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA last season. He pitched one of the best games of his career in Game 2 of the Divison Series against the Cleveland Indians.

He spent his first nine seasons in the Bronx before going to play for his hometown Houston Astros. Pettitte returned to the Yanks last winter and signed a one year $16 million, with a player option for ‘08. A good move for Pettitte who returns to a rotation that looks to include 2 or 3 rookies. His experience and competitive drive will be looked at to hopefully help young pitchers Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Joba Chamberlain.

Andy has 4 World Series rings with the Yankees and has reached 7 (one with the Astros in 2005). He has a career record of 201-113 with a 3.83 ERA in his 13 big league seasons. He has 2 All-Star game appearances and is 18-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 35 postseason games.

Pettitte’s return is very much appreciated in the Bronx, by both the fans and the Yankees themselves.

(Frank’s articles can also be read at OnTheBlockNY )

Read more on Pettitte’s return from HSNY writer Ed Valentine at Valentine’s Views