Pettitte's tough challenge: Convincing us he's retiring for good

So word has leaked that Andy Pettitte is set to announce his retirement from baseball on Friday. A press conference has been scheduled for Yankee Stadium and people are set to publish all sorts of articles — from 'Core Four' obits to arguments against his weak Hall of Fame case to "Hey, isn't Jeff Weaver still a free agent?" theoreticals— in the hours before and after Pettitte tells us that his left arm has had enough after 16 seasons. My only request is that Pettitte make it abundantly clear that he's really walking away. But while I think Pettitte seems like the type of guy who's ready to retire to the family life — and perhaps his flight to New York is good evidence of his conviction — I will admit that asking him to assure everyone of his retirement is too tough a task. No matter what he says on Friday, 2011 is still going to be littered with speculative articles on his possible return.That's what happens when word leaks...