Despite Hiroki Kuroda's ability, the Dodgers cannot afford to sign him

Hiroki Kuroda's major league career began with the Dodgers in 2008 at the spry old age of 33. He was nothing but good for the Dodgers (3.45 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 11.9 fWAR) and had a solid season for the Yankees in 2012.

But the Dodgers should not and cannot sign him.

It's nothing personal with the guy. Hell, the Dodgers should not have let him walk after the 2011 season. But the fact he was extended a qualifying offer by the Yankees should take the Dodgers out of the running for his services.

Because he was extended the offer, the signing team would have to give up its first-round draft pick. The teams interested in Kuroda's services include the Yankees, Red Sox and the Dodgers. There is also a chance he could return to Japan.

Yet, reports say he's one of the team's top targets this winter. From Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times:

"The Dodgers' pursuit of free-agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda illustrates how much the franchise's economic realities have changed in the last year.

The Dodgers never made Kuroda a formal offer when he was a free agent last winter, as they were still owned by Frank McCourt and in bankruptcy. Now, even with six starting pitchers under contract for next season, they are among the teams in active talks with Kuroda's agent."

Thankfully, Hernandez goes on to write this:

"The Dodgers are also believed to be interested in Zack Greinke and Anibal Sanchez."

I get it. Kuroda is a quality pitcher, something the Dodgers could use in the rotation. But he's not a young guy and having to give up the draft pick is the only reason I don't want to see the Dodgers bring him back.

Now, before you call me a prospect hoarder, let me justify my stance.

Many experts are saying the 2013 draft class could be even weaker than the 2012 class, which wasn't particularly strong. With the Dodgers not getting any competitive balance compensatory selections or any picks from their free agents, they can't afford to give up their pick for a guy in his late-30s -- no matter how good he is.

Love ya, Hiroki, but the Dodgers need to stay away.

Report: Dodgers interested on Korean lefty

The Dodgers are interested in acquiring Korean left-handed pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin. The 25-year-old is considered to be the best pitcher available from the country.

The Cubs have submitted a bid for him. It's unknown if any other bids were made for Hyun-jin's services.

Photo credit: Cbl62, Wikimedia Commons