Paul Sullivan is reporting on chicagotribune.com that the Cubs are eying two relief pitchers from Japan. At this point spring training invites are the level at which the Cubs are interested.
RHP Ken Kadokura is a 35 year old righty. He spent most of the 2008 season in the minors. He was released by Yomiuri after this past season, so no posting fee will be involved. Kadokura's career numbers are 76-82, 10 SV, and a 4.36 ERA. His arsenal consists of a fastball, splitter, and slider. Cubs scout Steve Wilson mentioned Kadokura's great command. The Cubs could fit him in as a middle reliever.
LHP Shigeki Noguchi is a 34 year old lefty also mentioned, but no further mention of his stats or ability. He also was released by Yomiuri after 2008.
Sullivan continues by saying the Cubs think one or both of them at the very least will help Fukudome be comfortable in the clubhouse this spring, similar to how they gave ex White Sox Shingo Takatsu a look last spring.
After a quiet few days due to the Christmas holiday, it is good to hear at least some piece of news. Obviously nothing to get too excited about, as we saw that Takatsu didnt work out for the Cubs by the time April rolled around.
Based on the numbers for Kadokura, I do not expect him to stick on the roster come April. Seeing him in Wrigley will mean we traded away Marshall, we didnt sign a quality relief arm (which should be up there in priority with the lefty OF bat instead of chasing after Peavy), or an arm the Cubs had pegged for middle relief got hurt.
The lack of information on the lefty leads me to believe there isnt much interest in him.
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