Fukudome-Cubs Link?

The newspaper is probably just throwing out names of NPB clubs that have expressed interest in Fukudome. I wouldn't read any more into it than that.

The current FA schedule is for players who wish to exercise their rights to free agency to notify the Commissioner's Office of their intent by November 12. The Commissioner's Office will publish the list of declaring free agents the following day, November 13. Beginning November 14, any teams, foreign or domestic, may approach and discuss the possibility of signing those who declared free agency.

Any club making an offer, be it to the player or in the press, before November 14 will most likely have allegations of tampering brought against them. So nothing you read until November 14 can be on the record (unless it's coming from the Chunichi Dragons' front office in the case of Fukudome), and it thus nothing but speculation. Please ignore it. It is meaningless until on or after November 14.

Officially, the Chunichi Dragons have offered Fukudome two options:

1. 4 years for a total of 24-oku yen.
2. 1 year for 5-oku yen.

Fukudome is considering the offers, and has stated that he will do so until the closing date for declaring free agency (November 12). By taking the 1 year deal and not declaring free agency, free agency is still an open option for him after next season.

Source: Nikkan Sports, November 6, 2007 paper edition.

Again, any quote that does not involve Chunichi until November 14 is pure speculation. Please ignore it until November 14. After November 14, Fukudome and others are free to discuss the possibilities. But not before November 14. (Did I mention that something important will happen on November 14, but not sooner?)

Oh dear, that reminds me of the Daisuke Matsuzaka speculation over the Japanese newspapers before he even got formally posted. I saw several articles from several newspapers reporting Daisuke was going to the Mariners, Yankees, and Mets before even the end of the regular season.

That said, if he does go to the Cubs, I need to go see him in Wrigley next year. I'd rather see him go to the Twins though, because they're my team, and also for the endless "(bleep) you Dome" jokes in the last two years of the Twins in the Metrodome.

For the record, I have heard talks of this link here in Chicago. Nothing solid, just speculation and interest on the Cubs' side.

Both the Tigers and Giants are also going to make bids for Fukudome's services. Both are apparently in with good chances as well.

There are lots of Japanese names popping up in latest Cubs' rumors. Latest rumors also say they want to sign Matsui Kazuo to help the transition if they are able to land Fukudome.