Posada deal “close” for the Yankees

Jorge Posada prefers to stay with the New York Yankees and believes he is really close to reaching a new deal with the team. Posada feels like his “heart is with the Yankees.”

“It’s not about the money, it’s about the situation,” Posada told the Daily News. Posada has played his whole career in a Yankees uniform so can you really blame him?

Too bad for the Mets. They still were highly interested in Posada but they will have to look elsewhere to fill their catch-needs.

Mariners interested in Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda

Add the Seattle Mariners to the long list of suitors for Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. In 11 seasons in Japan, Hiroki Kuroda was 103-89 and there is a list of teams interested.

The Mariners will be one of the major bidders for the free agent’s services. The Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers have also expressed interest in Japanese free agent.

MLB News and rumors

• Cubs deal outfielder Jacque Jones to Tigers for infielder Omar InfanteThe Tigers are doing a good job of addressing their issues this off season.
• Ryan Braun and Dustin Pedroia won the Rookie of the Year awards. Nobody really challenged Pedroia in the AL; Braun just barely beat out Troy Tulowitzki for NL award. I would’ve given it to Tulowitzki.
• Joe Torre said that “its possible” that Alex Rodriguez may join him in LA. The Dodgers need to make that deal.