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Yankees Out On Hiroki Kuroda

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 05:  Hiroki Kuroda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 5, 2011 in Washington, DC.  (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 05: Hiroki Kuroda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
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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.

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.