Yankees Out On Hiroki Kuroda

It's been reported the New York Yankees are in on free-agent starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, but it appears the Yankees have no serious interest. According to ESPN New York, it is unlikely the Yankees will be in serious pursuit for the free-agent. A team source told ESPN New York, "We simply don't have the money to pay him.''

If Kuroda is looking for $12-13 million annually, the luxury tax penalties coming in at 40% take it up to $17 million a season. In recent years, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has rightfully avoided signing players on the wrong side of their 30s to more than a one-year deal, let alone at $17 million a season. It would make sense for the team to avoid Kuroda and look at internal options or low-risk, high-reward signings.

• Yankees bluffing on Kuroda? - Yankees Blog - ESPN New York
  Probably. It has been reported in several places that the Yankees and Red Sox are actively pursuing free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, but...

The end-game may be to drive up the price for the Boston Red Sox, who are heavily involved in Kuroda's services. Perhaps even the favorite now.