Unable thus far to find a front-line starting pitcher to bolster their rotation, the New York Yankees may be making a push for Los Angeles Dodgers veteran starter Hiroki Kuroda.
From ESPN New York:
The Yankees showed interest in Kuroda this offseason. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman never could offer Kuroda a contract because he was waiting on Cliff Lee to make his decision. By the time Lee signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kuroda was off the market. Kuroda, 36, leads the National League in losses, but his record is deceptive. He is 6-12. His ERA is 3.19.
In his last six starts, Kuroda is 1-4 with a 2.89 ERA. … The Yankees have faith that his stuff could work in the American League East.
The Yankees have competition for Kuroda from Detroit, Boston, Cleveland and Milwaukee. Kuroda also has a no-trade clause, though reports have indicated that he would likely waive it.
For me, the question is does Kuroda really upgrade the Yankee rotation from what they already have behind ace CC Sabathia? I am really not sure of the answer, but this might be the best the Yankees can do without seriously pillaging their farm system.