Cashman confirms that Pettitte is leaning towards retirement

Bob Klapisch drops a December bombshell. The Yankees, he says, “heard from friend of Pettitte’s that he’s [definitely] retiring.” The club received this news three weeks ago, and they are officially “still waiting on his decision.” We’ve heard numerous conflicting reports on Pettitte this winter. Just a few weeks ago, Ken Davidoff said the lefty was “leaning toward” a 2011 swan song, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Pettitte hangs it up this year. Either way, Cliff Lee stands to benefit, but don’t jump off that bridge until we hear it from the mouth of number 46 himself.

Update (3:26 p.m.): NBC Sports’ Craig Calcaterra chimes in with an opposite view. He says, “Source close to Pettitte tells me that while you never know with Pettitte, the expectation is that he’s coming back.” All we know is that we don’t know anything yet.

Update by Mike (5:40pm): Brian Cashman told reporters this afternoon that last he heard, Pettitte is leaning towards retirement. Apparently Andy first mentioned it to the GM after the season, which is the first time he’s done that.