The New York Yankees are close to signing veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. The deal appears to be a minor league deal with heavy incentives to sweeten the offer adds Heyman.

Given the fact that Millwood would require a few weeks to be ready to take the mound, Heyman suggests that the Yankees will start with either Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon as the team fiftht’s starter.

Earlier this month, we learned that the Yankees were unlikely to add another starter before opening day.

“Can’t rule it out, but it’s highly unlikely,’’ Brian Cashman said. “Normally anything of quality doesn’t become available until after the June draft. That’s why you try and get as much as you can get accomplished in the winter . . . I know New York doesn’t handle patience very well. But I’m from Kentucky, so it’s a little easier for me to deal with.’’

Millwood had 31 starts and ate up 190 2/3 innings with Baltimore last season, but was a dismal 4-16 with a 5.10 ERA.