The Yankees resigned Kuroda to a one-year, $15 million contract to keep the Japanese hurler in the Bronx for 2013. From my perspective, the most fascinating part of the article, is that the Padres offered Kuroda more money than the Yankees. What the hell?

Oct 14, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda walks off the mound after retiring the Detroit Tigers in the 5th inning during game two of the 2012 ALCS at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

According to the report the Padres actually outbid the Yankees for a player. That last statement is about as surprising as Jennifer Love Hewitt saying she would love to go eat pizza with me. I figured that neither would ever happen. However, if the report is true, the Padres are willing to shell out some bucks on a top free agent pitcher.

The pessimist will point to the fact that Kuroda took less money to stay in New York is irrelevant to me. I am focused on the big picture. The Padres look poised to spend money. Sure, Kuroda turned them down, but Dan Haren and Anibal Sanchez are still on the open market. One of my concerns about the Padres pursuit of pitching, has been the ridiculous money thrown at pitching so far in the offseason.

Jeremy Guthrie got $25 million from the Royals, in a contract that made me sick to my stomach. The guy was nearly released by the Rockies last season, pitched reasonably well for Kansas City after being traded and was rewarded handsomely.

Perhaps this possible commitment to Kuroda also means that the Padres will make an attempt to extend Chase Headley. If the rumor is true, it is indeed a great day to be a Padre fan.

UPDATE: For what it is worth, Padres beat writer Corey Brock said the rumor of the Padres offering Kuroda $18 million was bogus. Stay tuned.

With the Frank McCourt fiasco drawing to a close, do you think the Dodgers are going to be competitive in 2012, and will they finish higher than the Padres in the standings?

Scott – Lasorda’s Lair:

The answer is yes and no. I think they will defiantly finish ahead of the Padres and Rockies. Colorado seems to be in a bit of disarray.  But as for being competitive? Probably not, but second or third place seems doable. They were able to have a wining season last year despite all the craziness, and injuries, and poor performances.

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