Red Sox Notes: Kuroda, Germano

The Boston Red Sox continue to go with their low risk approach this off season as they sign former Cleveland Indians pitcher Justin Germano, reports Jon Heyman from CBS Sports. Germano was with the Indians for the start of last season then pitched in Japan for the end. He will likely be depth in the Pawtucket Red Sox rotation.

Meanwhile, ESPN's Buster Olney reports, contrary to reports last night and this morning, that the Red Sox are not closing in on a deal for Hiroki Kuroda. The Red Sox have been linked to Kuroda since the trade deadline, when he refused to leave Los Angeles although Boston coveted him. They have been working to sign him off season to no avail yet.

Kuroda has said that he will be staying in the states and not pitching in Japan for 2012, and the Red Sox are still in running for his services and are likely still one of or the favorite to sign him.