Andy for three years? Seriously?

This came up in a thread earlier today, but like the good commenters you are most of you kept with the thread topic rather than responding. Now let’s have a go at it. SI’s Jon Heyman reports that Andy Pettitte’s agents claim that he has an offer in hand for three years and $36 million. Upon first glance, this screams “leverage play.” Pettitte has made it clear that he wants to pitch for the Yankees or retire, and the Yankees have not budged from their $10 million offer. Andy doesn’t want to take a pay cut, so the two sides are at an apparent impasse.

Can anyone think of a team willing to add that kind of payroll? I’ve heard the Rangers, but word was they’d have to free up money to sign Ben Sheets, who would come at a similar average annual value. Others say the Dodgers. I’ve even heard someone suggest the Mets.

Here’s what I think, and I expect all of you to add your two cents in the comments. 1) If Andy did get this offer, I encourage him to take it. He won’t find anywhere near that deal elsewhere. 2) This is a bogus rumor.