Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella says he has been given glowing reports on Japanese free agents Kosuke Fukudome and Kazuo Matsui, both reported targets for the major league club.
"Our people feel the Japanese outfielder (Fukudome) is a really nice cross between (Hideki) Matsui and Ichiro (Suzuki)," Piniella was quoted as saying in Wednesday's online edition of the Chicago Sun-Times.
"That's a pretty nice combination. Our scouts felt that he could hit on any major league club second through sixth," said Piniella.
The Cubs are reportedly set to raid the Japanese free-agent market this offseason, with Chunichi Dragons outfielder Fukudome their prime target.
Fukudome met for talks with the Yomiuri Giants as negotiations got under way Wednesday for the free agents in Japanese baseball.
A recent report in the Chicago Sun-Times also said the Cubs will "make a serious run" at Colorado Rockies free-agent second baseman Matsui.
Regarding the quality Matsui could add to the team, Piniella said, "We talked about adding speed to the team, and some left-hand hitting."
Arai deal closer
MIYAZAKI, Miyazaki Pref. (Kyodo) Slugger Takahiro Arai inched closer to signing a free agent deal with the Hanshin Tigers, showing a positive reaction to a four-year, ¥1 billion offer made during the first round of negotiations on Thursday.
"I felt (Hanshin) needs my services and was naturally pleased with that," said Arai, who filed for free agency a week ago after playing for the Hiroshima Carp for nine seasons.
"You face tough competition within the team when you are part of the Hanshin organization. It's challenging. I haven't made up my mind and need time to discuss their offer with my family, but I'll consider it positively."