Hiroki Kuroda: Future Cub?

[Jo Jo English]

A story at chicagosports.com states that the Cubs have interest in Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. Anyone know anything about this guy? Sounds interesting enough, but I'm not thrilled about his age.

CLEVELAND -- Game 3 starter Daisuke Matsuzaka became the next big thing last winter when Boston shelled out $100 million for a posting fee and contract to reel in the Japanese star.

His first season turned out to be more of a learning experience than most envisioned. Now baseball awaits a decision by another Japanese star who could be available on the upcoming free-agent market.

Hiroshima Toyo Carp right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, 32, will soon decide whether to exercise an opt-out clause and join Matsuzaka in the majors. He's considered more polished than Matsuzaka, 27, because of his age and experience. Because he's an 11-year Japanese veteran, teams don't have to pay a posting fee to Hiroshima just to win the right to pay him.

Kuroda projects as a No. 3 or 4 starter, and Japanese sources say the teams with the most interest are the Cubs and Seattle. The Cubs considered signing Kuroda last winter, but he decided to stay in Japan with a four-year deal worth $10.4 million in U.S. money. Now that he appears ready to come overseas, expect the Cubs to jump into the fray again.

http://tinyurl.com/ywdwr8

*edit*

I found another article about the guy. If you look in the comments section of the page there are a few links to some youtube videos. They aren't great quality though.

http://sturgeongeneral.wordpress.com/20 ... ki-kuroda/

[the air. . . . .man]

I am a little skeptical about this. It looks like he had one fluke season with an ERA of 1.85 in 2006 then this year his ERA went up to 3.56 or something like that.

We don't need any more 4 or 5 spot guys in the rotation, we have plenty of guys who can pitch in the 5th spot of the rotation we need upgrades at 2nd or 3rd spots in the rotation.

[Posey H8er]

I would like a pitcher that would replace Lilly as the number 2 pitcher and put Lilly as the 3rd pitcher. More depth.

[Howling Mad]

I second what PoseyH8er says.

I would also like to see a Japanese player on the Cubs, so I don't have to cheer for Taguchi when the Cards are in town.

[Jo Jo English]

My selfish side would like to see a Japanese player on the Cubs just because it would be interesting, but that isn't really a good reason, I know.

I do agree with you guys in that the Cubs need to focus on adding a solid #1 or 2 starter so Lilly can be bumped back a bit in the rotation.

And again, I really am not thrilled about his age.

[cold5]

Look, our pitching concerns should be about dumpster, ohman, prior, marshall, and marquis. Zambrano, Lilly,and Hill should be the guaranteed first three starters. They are not the problem. None of the team had been in the playoffs for at least four years, except for kendall and floyd. The hitting was the real problem. Everyone on the team except for zambrano and soto was off. We need to sign Abreu/Hunter, hopefully A-Rod, release dumpster and sign cordero, let prior walk and sign carlos silva/randy wolf/pettite. If A-Rod doesn't work out, we sign Juan Uribe.

[The Sheik]

I tend to agree w/ ya'll. We really have a beavy of 4/5 guys that will battle it out for thos spots (Marshall, Trachsel, Marquis, Gallagher, Prior). I would like to see us add a solid 2 or 3 starter and before that I would much rather see a lefty specialist, set-up/closer be the key targets for FA.

Unless we are getting rivera I would much rather see us go set up man and move Howry to closer. I actually think beyond Howry there is no lock in the bullpen. Now I know what the Marmol fans will say...but he was so bad at the end of the season and had such a small sample size that it will be really interesting to see what he will do next season. If you want an example look at Cub minor leaguer Neil Cotts. I would also like to see the Cubs move Dempster to the rotation (dont call me crazy) but he has proven that he stinks as a closer, but why not give him a shot in ST and see if he can actually help this team somewhere. If not just put him in the pen.

I would much rather gamble on a Marquis type guy then an unproven 32 yr old rookie.

If we want a Japanese guy go after that outfielder Fukudome. Mainly cuz I want a cub Fukudome jersey.

[SportsWorld]

[Howling Mad]

I'd have that jersey in a second!

[GYBE]

I want da Dome era to start in Chicago.