Pettitte to Return to the Mound (but Just for Practice) February 27, 2012, 4:56 pm TAMPA - The Yankees may have a very special batting practice pitcher on Tuesday as Andy Pettitte arrived in camp Monday and donned a uniform for the first time since he retired following the 2010 season. Pettitte, the former Yankee left-handed pitcher, was brought in to help out some of the younger pitchers and to provide whatever guidance and information he can. But he said he probably would not initiate most of the interactions. "They just wanted me to get down here and be with the guys," Pettitte said. I'm not looking to coach anybody or anything. If guys want to ask me questions or anything, then obviously I'll be more than happy to talk to guys. I'm here to hang out and mess around. This is the first time Pettitte has come to spring training since he retired. He felt if he came last year it might have been a distraction coming so soon after he retired. He arrived in town Sunday night and said he planned to stay for a few days. Although he is enjoying his retirement, he said that when he got in uniform and out on the field he got that familiar old itch to play again. But then he remembered that the reasons he retired had nothing to do with ability. Even at 39, Pettitte still feels he has the ability to keep pitching. But he retired so he could spend more time with his family. While he is here, he is getting a close look at some of the Yankees pitchers as they go through their routines. On Monday that included fellow lefty Manny Banuelos, the minor-league prospect who threw live batting practice. "He looks great," Pettitte said. The ball just explodes coming out of his hand. Pettitte said he wants to throw B.P. on Tuesday, and manager Joe Girardi said he would grant permission, so that could be something worth seeing.