New York Yankees' news, rumors: New York losing Hiroki Kuroda?

The New York Yankees might be in the process of losing right-handed starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who won 16 games and pitched a career-high 219 innings in 2012. That is the biggest current news on the Yankees' offseason front. Here is a quick look at that, and a couple of other stories making news.

Dodgers may have an edge for Hiroki Kuroda - Los Angeles - Dodgers Report - ESPN Los Angeles
There might be a reason why the Los Angeles Angels have reportedly gotten involved in trying to sign free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.

Previously, teams have been under the impression that Kuroda would either re-sign with the New York Yankees or return to his native Japan to finish his career. But Kuroda has told friends that his first preference is to pitch in Southern California, where his two daughters are attending elementary school.

That means the Dodgers and Angels could be the frontrunners to acquire the 37-year-old right-hander, who is coming off his finest season in the major leagues. Considering Kuroda spent his first four seasons in the United States with the Dodgers, they would have a presumptive edge.

Valentine's View: This would be a huge blow to the Yankees. Kuroda was, at times, their best pitcher in 2012.

Cano over Cabrera for 2nd in MVP? - Yankees Blog - ESPN New York
That's what Keith Law thinks. Now, I love Law's stuff. For analysis, he is one of the first people I look to in the sport. However, in this case, I can't imagine it.

Now, I like the sabermetrics. They have a place in these arguments. A big place.

But watching Cano all season, I'm not sure he was the MVP of the Yankees, let alone second in the league. Push come to shove, I would probably make him the MVP of the Yanks, but Rafael Soriano's and Derek Jeter's impact felt larger, though, the numbers -- especially Jeter's -- and the role -- esepcically Soriano's -- don't support such a position.

Valentine's View: I have to agree wholeheartedly with the writer, ESPN's Andrew Marchand. Sabermetrics are valuable, but in this case the numbers don't tell the whole story. Cano did not hit for huge stretches of the season, particularly early. He was sub-par defensively. He wasn't close to the most valuable Yankee, much less the most valuable player in the American League. You had to see the games day-in and day-out to understand that, not just look at the raw numbers.

New York Yankees won’t sweat Blue Jays’ Melky Cabrera signing - NYPOST.com
The Yankees are sticking to their oft-stated plan of focusing on their starting rotation, as well as making sure they position themselves to be under the $189 million tax threshold in 2014.