Kuroda Resigns with Yankees

nymag.com

Yankees were able to resign Hiroki Kuroda for one more year, as probably the Yankees best starter last year will be returning for the 2013 season with the Yankees. Kuroda signed a one year 15 million dollar deal to stay in the Bronx despite reports that he was thinking about returning to Japan to finish his career.

Kuroda finished the 2012 season going 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA in 219 innings, and with injuries to Andy Pettitte and C.C. Sabathia Kuroda was the Yankees ace for a good part of the season. Kuroda also pitched very well in the postseason despite not getting a win due to no run support, as he had a 2.81 ERA in two starts.

With Kuroda coming back it is the first piece coming back to what should be a very good starting rotation in 2013, as the return of Andy Pettitte is also figured to happen soon. The rotation figures to be Sabathia, Kuroda, Pettitte, Phil Hughes, and either Ivan Nova or David Phelps as the fifth starter. Michael Pineda is also expected to be back in June, and if healthy should be a good pitcher for the Yankees.

The Yankees rotation should figure to be one of the best rotations in all of baseball with Kuroda coming back, as the Yankees will look to bounce back after a disappointing 2012 ALCS.

Rivera Set to Return in 2013

The Yankees got news that the all-time saves leader, and best closer of all-time Mariano Rivera will be coming back for the 2013 season a few days after word came out that Rivera who once said he was definitely coming back was maybe starting to have second thoughts.

"He wants to play again," said Cashman, who was informed by the reliever of his decision Friday. "I'll work with his agent, Fernando Cuza, on the details of a contract."

There hasn’t been any word yet on how much Rivera will be making but in all likelihood it will only be a one year deal, as 2013 would figure to be Rivera’s last before heading to Cooperstown.

With Rivera coming back it also would be safe to assume the Rafael Soriano who had a great year for the Yankees converting 42 of 46 saves in Rivera’s absence probably wont be brought back to be a setup man for Rivera again, as Soriano will want a new big contract, and would obviously prefer to be a closer leaving the Yankees closer situation after 2013 a big question mark.

To set up Rivera for his last year it will be David Robertson, David Aardsma, Boone Logan, and Joba Chamberlain for sure with David Phelps also possibly in the bullpen as well. There is also some talk of possibly bringing in Joakim Soria who the Yankees have always been high on, as he will be a free agent coming off a Tommy John surgery, and has said he wouldn’t mind setting up and learning from Rivera.