It looks like Andy Pettitte might be back again. The 37-year-old lefty is in talks with the Yankees for yet another one-year deal after Pettitte proved to be New York’s best starting pitcher in a World Series season. From a personal standpoint, he was just as effective this year as he was in 2006. Pettitte is proving that, despite his age, he is capable of pitching with the best of them, and his services are something that the Yankees are interested in retaining in 2010.

The New York Post reported that the Yankees offered Pettitte a contract in the range of $10 million, but were turned down. Negotiations between the two parties may be a long affair, as it took until late January last offseason before they came to an agreement that saw Pettitte earn a $5.5 million, heavy-incentive laden contract, many of which he cashed in on. But don’t expect a similar contract to be signed this time around, as Pettitte believes that he should have been offered a better, more secure contract.

Pettitte is a two-time All-Star. His postseason track record is arguably one of the best in baseball history. He has five World Series rings, and his six series-clinching victories and 18 postseason wins overall are both records. He has a career 228-133 record with a 3.90 ERA. He was also the last starting pitcher to take the mound at old Yankee Stadium, where he not only got the win, but also recorded his 2,000th career strikeout. Clearly he and the Yankees have a strong history with each other, and offering him anything other than what he thinks he deserves would be an insult.

Retaining Pettitte would mean that the Yankees will not need to get into bidding wars for other available pitchers Roy Halladay and John Lackey. While money is seemingly not an issue for Yankees GM Brian Cashman, he will still be looking for value for his dollar. Lackey might command a massive, multi-year deal that could reach nine figures, while Halladay would cost the Yankees a significant number of prospects. Pettitte might be the best choice for the Yankees, despite his age. He worked in 2009, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t be just as good in 2010.