Klapisch: Yanks would prefer if Andy Pettitte didn’t pitch in World Baseball Classic

Anyone who sees Andy Pettitte’s name on the World Baseball Classic roster has to be blinking in disbelief: What is this 40-year-old thinking, rushing through spring training to play in a high-intensity March tournament?

The Yankees are just as stupefied. They’re no fans of the WBC, at least when it comes to loaning out injury-prone players, especially in Pettitte’s case. He was on the DL for nearly three months last year with a broken ankle, so you can picture how GM Brian Cashman must’ve stopped breathing when Pettitte volunteered to anchor Joe Torre’s roster.

Technically, the Yankees can’t block Pettitte, as the WBC is a holy marriage between Bud Selig and the union — a global marketing tool that makes money for everyone. The teams have no say in the makeup of the roster, which means it’s Pettitte’s call.

Then again, maybe not.

Tournament eligibility is based upon insurance coverage — meaning, a player’s contract would have to be guaranteed in the event of injury while participating in the WBC. Insurers typically shun those older than 38, or ones who suffer from a chronic injury. In all likelihood Pettitte, over the age-threshold, will be deemed uninsurable, which means the Yankees will eventually be able to exhale.

Thanks to Homeless Carlos.