NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees announced the signing of a long-term contract with one of their players eligible for arbitration.

	Pettitte

No, it wasn't Derek Jeter.

While the Yankees near agreement on a $118.5 million, seven-year contract with their star shortstop, the World Series champions announced a $25.5 million, three-year deal with Andy Pettitte on Tuesday.

"Andy is a durable lefty who is a proven and consistent winner," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "He is the type of player and competitor we look for on the field and in our clubhouse as we strive to sustain our postseason goals."

Pettitte, 27, who nearly was traded last summer by owner George Steinbrenner, was 14-11 with a 4.70 ERA in 31 starts last season, pitching erratically as he struggled with his confidence and mechanics.

Manager Joe Torre and Cashman argued against trading Pettitte and Steinbrenner relented but made it clear it wasn't his preference. He later issued a challenge to Pettitte to "show what kind of man he is."

The left-hander responded by going 5-1 with a 1.76 ERA in August and winning twice in the postseason.

He beat Texas in the first round of the playoffs, allowing one run in 7 1-3 innings in Game 2, then defeated Boston in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series, allowing two runs in 7 1-3 innings.

Pettitte stumbled against Atlanta in Game 3 of the World Series, getting pounded for five runs and 10 hits in 3 2-3 innings.

During the regular season, he was puzzling. Pettitte was 7-8 with 5.65 ERA at the July 31 trade deadline, when a deal with Philadelphia was under discussion, and even tinkered with his release point in the middle of his windup when he threw a sidearm pitch at Chicago.

Pettitte, who made $5.95 million last year, would have been eligible for free agency after this season. The Yankees have an option for 2003 that would make the deal worth $35 million over four years.

Pettitte is 81-46 with a 3.92 ERA in five seasons with the Yankees. But his win total has dropped each of the last four seasons, since he went 21-8 in 1996.

Four Yankees remain in arbitration, but Jeter's deal is expected to be concluded in the next few weeks.

Also in arbitration are closer Mariano Rivera and relievers Ramiro Mendoza and Jason Grimsley. The Yankees settled last week with catcher Jorge Posada on a $1.25 million, one-year contract.

The Yankees have invited 14 non-roster players to spring training: right-handers Domingo Jean, Mike Jerzembeck and Brandon Knight; catchers Michel Hernandez, Julio Mosquera, Tom Pagnozzi, Chris Turner, Victor Valencia and Tom Wilson; infielder Juan Melo; and outfielders Felix Jose, Ryan Thompson and Jon Zuber.