Dodgers, Kuroda close to 1-year, $12 million deal

In a surprise development, the Dodgers are close to re-signing RHP Hiroki Kuroda to a 1-year, $12 million deal.

The news first came down last night when there were reports it was $8 million for one year. That would have been too good to be true. Apparently it was.

Still, to nab Kuroda, who had a 2.87 second-half ERA and his best season in the majors in 2010, this is still a damn good deal for the Dodgers.

It was widely believed Kuroda would either pitch in Los Angeles (slight chance for another West Coast team) or return to Japan. I'm glad to (almost) have him back in Blue.

The Dodgers' rotation is shaping up quite nicely, with Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly locked in as the No. 1-3.

Despite this throwing a monkey wrench into my off-season prediction, this is a good move for the Dodgers. Now they won't be hard-pressed to find another starting pitcher who could cost them resources they need to upgrade the offense (I'm looking at you left field).

This is an encouraging and positive step for the Dodgers. Here's hoping it keeps up.