"In just two frenzied hours tonight, the Yankees accomplished a task that took nearly two years, radically remaking their rotation by trading slugging phenom Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners for a possible future ace in right-hander Michael Pineda and agreeing to terms with free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.

In the extreme makeover pulled off by general manager Brian Cashman, the 36-year-old Kuroda received a reportedly one-year deal worth $10 million, according to a person with knowledge of the maneuvers who requested anonymity because none of the transactions had been finalized.

Still, the moves, contingent on the players passing physicals, ensure the Yankees will begin the season with one of baseball's top rotations.

The Yankees will surround left-handed ace CC Sabathia with 16-game winner Ivan Nova, Kuroda and Pineda, the young power pitcher who earned American League All-Star honors as a rookie.

The suddenly restocked rotation leaves underachievers Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett left to duke it out for the final spot, along with veteran stopgap Freddy Garcia.

Finally, the Yankees can savor a "mission accomplished" moment, after twice watching as Cliff Lee slipped through their fingers. After spending the winter in virtual hibernation, Cashman orchestrated a flurry of activity that ultimately solidified the Yankees' standing atop the ultra-competitive American League East."