Kosuke Fukudome

Kosuke Fukudome is the tenth Japanese to play with an American major league team. Cubs management hopes that the $48 million it is paying him over the next four years will keep this new tradition alive. So far, the only problem reported from the Cub dugout during spring training is that the other players are having a difficult time learning how to pronouce Fukudome's name. If that's the only trouble that arises, Fukudome should have a good year. Like most Japanese, he is easy to get along with. Here at New Moon, we wish him the best.