Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York heard from sources that the Yankees aren't likely to bid for Hiroki Kuroda. Kuorda is thought to be seeking a contract worth around $12-13 million annually, which would balloon to around $17 million in total cost because of where the Yankees sit on the luxury tax threshold. The 36-year-old right-hander is also drawing interest from the Red Sox, and Matthews suspects that the Yankees' involement is a bluff to drive up the price on their direct rival. Kuroda posted a 3.07 ERA and 161/49 K/BB ratio in 202 innings this past season.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that Hiroki Kuroda "still has some desire to stay out West." There have been indications that Kuroda would be willing to sign with an East Coast team, but, all things being equal, he'd prefer to stay on the West Coast. The Red Sox and Yankees have shown interest and might be willing to go the extra mile to convince the 36-year-old to head eastward.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that Hiroki Kuroda is willing to pitch outside of Los Angeles and the National League. This isn't much different than was reported during the Winter Meetings once it was obvious that the Dodgers were moving in a different direction. Kuroda is still weighing a possible return to Japan, but he is also drawing interest from teams like the Red Sox and Yankees.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Rockies are still searching for a starter but are unlikely to land Hiroki Kuroda or Joe Saunders "unless their asking price comes way down." The Rox want some pitching but don't have much more money to throw around after handing out $31.5 million to Michael Cuddyer. They've also talked to the Mets about Jon Niese and kicked the tires on Gio Gonzalez before he was shipped to the Nationals. They probably have a better shot to nab a viable starter through the trade route.

Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com writes that the Yankees are unlikely to sign Hiroki Kuroda unless they can unload some payroll. The Yankees already have $185-200 million tied up in payroll commitments for 2012, so while they like Kuroda, they are unlikely to give him the one-year, $12-13 million deal he reportedly desires. This could just be some posturing on the part of general manager Brian Cashman, but at the moment he appears satisfied with the idea of having CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett and Freddy Garcia in the rotation next season.

The Diamondbacks had an offer out to Hiroki Kuorda for "10 days to two weeks" but got no response. Arizona has since moved on, trading for A's starter Trevor Cahill last week and signing free agent outfielder Jason Kubel to a two-year, $15 million contract on Monday morning. Kuorda's intentions at this point are a mystery. He could simply decide to return to his native Japan.

The Diamondbacks are likely out of the running for free agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda. Arizona expressed serious interest in Kuroda earlier this month, but the small-market club just wrapped up a two-year, $15 million contract with outfielder Jason Kubel and it's doubtful there's enough room in the budget for another major splash. Kuroda, 36, is thought to be seeking a deal worth between $12-13 million annually. He may ultimately head back to his native Japan if he can't find it.

According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Diamondbacks are "still interested" in Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda's willingness to go to Arizona is unclear at the moment, but the Snakes will do their best to convince him it's a comfortable pace to call home. If the 36-year-old righty doesn't buy the pitch, or doesn't like the free agent offers that he's getting, he could head back to his native Japan.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that Hiroki Kuroda would consider signing with the Yankees and a few other teams. Kuroda was unwilling to leave Los Angeles at the trade deadline, but now that the Dodgers are no longer an option, he's more open-minded to playing elsewhere. If he doesn't get the kind of deal in a location he prefers, though, he could head back to Japan. Kuroda reportedly is looking for $12-13 million on a one-year deal.

Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports that the Yankees have not made an offer to free agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda. The Japanese website Sponichi previously reported that the Yanks have offered Kuroda a one-year, $12 million contract, but evidently that might not be the case. It would certainly make sense that they would pursue Kuroda in their quest to upgrade pitching, but perhaps they're considering a bid on Yu Darvish and want to see how that plays out first.