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.

Kosuke Fukudome

The Japanese press has reported that Kosuke Fukudome will not play baseball next season in Japan. If this is true, the only logical conclusion is that he wants to play for a North American team. The 30-year-old outfielder has a lifetime batting average of .305.

The Cubs have make no secret of their desire to add Fukudome to their roster. Fukudome bats left, and the Cubs are top heavy with right-handed hitters. But before the Cubbies order a uniform for this lefty, they have to compete with some other major-league teams, including the White Sox.