Yankees finalize deal for Pettitte

The New York Yankees made it official on Wednesday and announced the signing of pitcher Andy Pettitte to a one-year deal for 2008.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but last month Pettitte declined a one- year, $16 million option to further contemplate retirement. Earlier this month, he informed the Yankees of his desire to return for 2008.

The 35-year-old lefty was 15-9 with a 4.05 earned-run average in 36 appearances, including 34 starts, in 2007. He tied for first in the American League in games started, and ranked ninth in the league with 215 1/3 innings pitched.

A two-time American League All-Star, Pettitte is in his second stint with the Yankees. He first pitched for the club from 1995 through 2003, and was a member of four World Series championship teams, then spent three years with the Houston Astros before making his return to the Bronx last year.

Pettitte's career mark stands at 201-113 with a 3.83 ERA in 403 games (393 starts). He is a gaudy 70-33 in regular season games immediately following a Yankee loss, and has posted a winning record and made at least 15 starts in each of his 13 big league seasons.