Hiroki Kuroda is now a member of the New York Yankees, going to the Bronx for a reported $10 million for one year per ESPN. He will be missed.
On September 27, I wrote this about Kuroda heading into what was his final start as a Dodger:
Kuroda hasn't yet made his decision whether to come back to the Dodgers or return to Japan. He has been a very good pitcher in his four years in Los Angeles, and is a player who not only wants to win but wants to win as a Dodger. It would be great to have Kuroda back for another season, but if tonight is it, thanks for everything Hiroki.
Ned Colletti managed to turn a Kuroda decision of "Dodgers or Japan" which was heavily slanted toward returning to Los Angeles into "neither" through his flurry of two-year deals for mediocrities this offseason.
Who would you rather have?
- Kuroda for $10 million
- Juan Rivera, Jerry Hairston Jr., and one of Aaron Harang or Chris Capuano for $9.25 million in 2012 and between $10.25 million and $13.75 million in 2013.
The Dodgers made their choice. I think they chose poorly.