While the New York Yankees saw free agent outfielder Torii
Hunter, who signed with the Detroit Tigers yesterday, as a good fit, their
focus at this point is on re-signing right-handers Hiroki Kuroda and Mariano
Rivera, reports Erik Boland of Newsday.
Yankees,while seeing Hunter as good fit, never made offer.Haven't offered any pos players on market as yet.Focus right now remains Kuroda/Mo
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) November 14, 2012
Given the fact that Nick Swisher is a free agent that’s not
expected to re-up his contract with the Yankees, New York has a need in their
outfield. Beyond Swisher, veteran Ichiro Suzuki, who played a key role for the
Yankees late last season, has also hit the open market.
However, New York’s focus remains on pitching, both of the starting
and relief variety.
Kuroda played a pivotal role as a consistently productive
veteran starter for the Yankees last season. He won 16 games while posting an
ERA and WHIP of 3.32 and 1.165 over 33 starts.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Andy Pettitte and the lack
of depth in the Yankees’ rotation beyond C.C. Sabathia, some have characterized
New York’s offseason as hinging on Kuroda.
New York’s bullpen was productive last season, but Rafael
Soriano, who stepped in as closer for the injured Rivera, has opted out of his
contract and may not return with the Yankees next season. This makes convincing
Rivera to forego retirement and re-signing the future Hall of Famer that much
more important.
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