Off Topic » llot. According to STATS, the only exceptions are Bo

NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte has never thought of himself as a Hall of Fame pitcher. Now that hes announced his plans to retire after this season, an interesting debate will begin. The New York Yankees left-hander is 255-152 with a 3.86 ERA in 18 major league seasons. That makes him one of 26 pitchers -- the only one still active -- with a record at least 100 games over .500. Eighteen of those pitchers are in the Hall of Fame, and five who arent have not been retired long enough to appear on the ballot. According to STATS, the only exceptions are Bob Caruthers, who went 217-98 from 1884-1893, and Roger Clemens, a 354-game winner tainted by steroids allegations. Pettitte admitted using human growth hormone years ago, saying he tried the banned substance in an effort to recover faster from an injury. "I dont think about the Hall of Fame unless someone asks me," he said Friday, adding hes grateful just to be mentioned in that conversation with other stars such as Yankees teammates Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter. "Ive had the success that Ive had because of so many great players that have been around me." Players must wait five years after their final game before they are eligible to appear on the Hall of Fame ballot sent to voters who are 10-year members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. "Do I feel like Ive dominated this sport as a pitcher? No," Pettitte said, smiling. "Every outing for me, I feel like has been an absolute grind, to tell you the truth. I mean, when I look at lineups and teams that Im facing, it seems like every hitter is hitting .300 off of me. So for people to bring that up and for me to know that theres even a chance at that, its just an honour and its a blessing to me. And Im not worried about that." Pettitte holds major league records for post-season wins (19) and starts (44). A three-time All-Star, he has helped New York to seven AL pennants and five World Series championships during 15 seasons in pinstripes. He was the MVP of the 2001 AL championship series and is the franchise leader in career strikeouts with 2,009. Those numbers probably are the best argument for Pettittes induction. His career ERA is higher than that of any pitcher in the Hall of Fame. "Thats nothing Ive ever even considered. If that was something that I really desired, I would have never retired," Pettitte said. "I would just continue to pitch, if thats what it was all about." Pettitte is 19-11 with a 3.81 ERA in the post-season, giving him more post-season wins than eight major league teams. He also ranks first in post-season innings (276 2-3) and is second in strikeouts (183). In 2009 with the Yankees, he became the first pitcher to start and win the clinching game of all three series in one post-season. "Andys a professional. He expects a lot out of himself. He beats himself up a lot. We laugh at him because hes always by himself, talking to himself," Jeter said. "Its fun watching him beat himself up, because he expects to be perfect. Nobodys perfect, but he has those expectations and thats the reason why hes had so much success." Vans Shoes Clearance . The bout served as the headlining matchup of Saturdays "UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Silva" event, which took place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati. It was Silva who looked well on his way to victory in the early going, delivering a pair of crushing kicks to the body that sent Brown crashing to the floor, doubled over in pain. Wholesale Vans Shoes Online . -- Jose Bautista never worries about hitting homers during the regular season. http://www.vansoutletstore.com/. The actual winners on transfer deadline day are those clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City who were well prepared and managed to get their main incoming business done well ahead of the transfer window closing. Tottenham were able to add seven players by spending over 100 million pounds and also ensured maximum return for the Gareth Bale transfer to Real Madrid by managing the move superbly. Cheap Vans Shoes China . The Reds will host the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight in the opener of a four-game series at Great American Ball Park, and the debut matchup will feature a pair of pitchers whose recent resumes have included a fair number of bases-clearing hits. Vans Shoes Outlet USA . The 23-year-old Poland international is back as first choice at Arsenal after losing his regular spot in the team on occasions over the last three seasons.RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Sidney Rice have agreed to terms on a deal. Rice returns to Seattle after spending the last three seasons with the Seahawks. Rice was released by Seattle in February in a salary-driven move. He was scheduled to make $8.5 million this season under his previous contract. The team confirmed the agreement Wednesday. Terms of his neww deal were not disclosed.dddddddddddd Rice is coming back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in October against the St. Louis Rams. He received medical clearance to participate in football-related activities on Monday. He appeared in eight games for Seattle last season with 15 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns before being placed on injured reserve. ' ' '