Yankees add Pineda, Kuroda

A quiet off season for the New York Yankees changed very quickly Friday night, first making a huge deal with the Seattle Mariners to acquire starting pitcher Michael Pineda, and minutes later, signing ex-Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a 1-year deal worth $10 million.

The Yankees rotation, led by CC Sabathia, will now feature one of the better free agents that was still on the market, Kuroda, and one of the brighter young talents in the American League in Pineda.

The Yankees had to give up talent to receive Pineda, officially trading catcher Jesus Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi to the Mariners for Pineda and pitcher Jose Campos.

Last season, Pineda started 28 games for the Mariners going 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA.  In the 171 innings pitched, he recorded 173 strikeouts and only walked 55 batters.  Pineda did give up 18 long balls, 9 at home and 9 on the road.



Pineda held right handed batters to a .184 average, while limiting left handers to a .237 average.  He has never pitched at Yankee Stadium, only facing New York one time in his short career, tossing 5 innings and allowing 3 runs at Safeco Field.

Montero was called up by the Yankees on September 1st and hit .328 in 61 at-bats.

Signing Kuroda to the free agent deal also gives the Yankees the much needed depth for the starters.  Kuroda, who was looking for more years and more per year, obviously lowering his demands over the past few weeks, signing a deal for $10 million with the chance to compete for a World Series.

Last year Kuroda went 13-16 for the Dodgers with a 3.45 ERA.  He finished the year strong, going 7-3 in the finals two months of the season.

The Yankees rotation now consists of CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia, Phil Hughes, Hiroki Kuroda, Michael Pineda, and A.J. Burnett. (in no particular order)  I think they have some depth now!

Advantage Yankees...and oh ya, the Red Sox countered all this by reportedly offering catcher Jason Varitek a minor-league deal.