[Tuck4Bama]

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Fulfilling one of their major offseason goals, the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to terms with Japanese free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda on a three-year, $35.2 million contract.

Kuroda, who turns 33 in February, passed a physical examination on Saturday and will be introduced Sunday at a Dodger Stadium news conference.

"Kuroda was arguably the best starting pitcher on the free-agent market and will be a great addition to our staff," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "There was a lot of competition for a pitcher of his ilk, and we're thrilled that he's chosen to become a Dodger and to make Los Angeles his home."

SI.com - MLB - Dodgers sign Japanese pitcher Kuroda for $35.2M - Saturday December 15, 2007 9:13PM

[EmpireWF]

Best on the free-agent market? That doesn't say much. lol

[azrael492]

Is it my imagination or are teams paying an inflated price to get japanese players that are getting old. A 35.2 million contract for a pitcher that hasn't even thrown a pitch in MLB is irresponsible IMO. Let alone that he is going to be 33 before he even gets there.

[HeavyFoot839]

Siato has proven to be a success and he's in his mid 30s so i'm eager to see if Kuroda will have the same success that Siato is already having.

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by HeavyFoot839

Siato has proven to be a success and he's in his mid 30s so i'm eager to see if Kuroda will have the same success that Siato is already having.

For every Saito that has come here, there have been a few busts. Recently, Kei Igawa, Hideki Irabu come to mind. They are not all great over there. They are not facing even close to the same type of competition.