Kimberly Jones leaves YES after seven years

Kimberly Jones, YES' lead pregame and postgame reporter for the past seven years, will not return to the network for the 2012 season.

"It was a terrific seven years, especially when I didn't know if I'd make it through the first one, and neither did anyone else,'' she said, laughing. "It was filled with highlights and moments that only the Yankees can provide. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity at YES."

YES had offered Jones a new contract, and the parting was amicable. "We would love to have her on the YES team this season, but certainly understand her decision," YES spokesman Eric Handler said. "She was a valued member of our Yankees broadcast team, and we wish her nothing but the best."

Handler said YES is "looking at a number of options" to fill Jones' job. Jack Curry will remain in his current role as a studio analyst at the network.

As for Jones, she said there is "nothing at the moment that I can tell you" about her next job, but the NFL Network is believed to have interest in her.

Jones has been a popular semi-regular at WFAN and has worked extensively with afternoon host Mike Francesa. But a full-time move to the station appears unlikely because there is no apparent fit in the current schedule.