Yankees decided against player arbitration

Pitcher Andy Pettitte and right fielder Bobby Abreu were not offered salary arbitration by the New York Yankees prior to Monday's midnight deadline.

Both players earned $16 million last season, but because the Yankees declined to offer arbitration they won't receive compensation in draft picks should they choose to sign with another team this winter.

Other Yankees players not offered arbitration were first baseman Jason Giambi; pitchers Sidney Ponson, Carl Pavano and Mike Mussina; and catchers Ivan Rodriguez and Chad Moeller.

Pettitte had a 14-14 record with a 4.54 earned-run average in 33 starts last season and Abreu hit .296 with 20 homers and 100 RBI.