ANDY PETTITTE WILL HELP MAKE A BRONX STUD OUT OF RODON

I'm a big Carlos Rodon fan because I know what this guy is capable of.  He's got a ton of upside and will no doubt be worth his contract when he concludes his time in the Bronx. But not to get ahead of ourselves.  The beginning of his time in New York was tough.  But for me, that stuff doesn't matter. You're only as good as your last game.  But for Rodon, he is improving every game.  We're seeing things that prove he has the ability to conquer the jeers and eventually fall into favor with the fan base.  That's all I could ask for.

Now comes word that Andy Pettitte is working with Carlos to teach him the Yankee way, and let him understand the mentality you need to have when playing in New York. And you know what? It's only gonna help.

The New York Post writes:

" Pettitte said there are reasons for optimism — including in the bullpen session Rodon threw Thursday, as well as his previous two outings.

“He’s in a tough situation with the season he’s had and the injuries he’s had,’’ Pettitte said of Rodon. “Before the last road trip, I saw one of his pens that wasn’t quality,’’ Pettitte said. “He was all over the place. Then he went out in Boston and Pittsburgh and pitched well. That’s a step forward. I appreciate the work he’s put in.”...

“He was so good [Thursday], you just want to see that and let him settle in,’’ Pettitte said of the bullpen session. “My message to him has been, ‘Let’s stay healthy, get out there and get some reps.’ ”

When you have someone in your corner on a new team there is nothing you cannot accomplish. Support is the greatest gift for an athlete, because sports are hard.  Andy knows the Yankee way better than anyone. The key is to help get Carlos comfortable and in the right mindset... the rest is his talent and trust me... it's coming!