Tadahito Iguchi

by thecoolest on Nov 17, 2007 1:27 PM CST

Obviously, you have all heard about talks about the Cub's signing Kaz Matsui to try to maybe comfort Kosuke Fukudome and for middle infield help, I don't believe it's a good idea. But I bring up something new. Why not sign Tadahito Iguchi? He played in Japan before coming to the U.S. to play for the Sox. And from what I heard, he enjoyed playing in Chicago. He is also flexible defensively being able to play second base and third base. He probably could learn how to play short easily. I know he would cost a bit more than Matsui, but he seems like more of a reliable option than Matsui. Just an idea.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I think Matsui is more likely

to be able to play SS than Iguchi. Matsui is also a switch-hitter, which the Cubs appear to want. Matsui probably comes cheaper.

But I think you're right about this much - if the Cubs wanted a 2B that is Japanese, why not Iguchi? There must be somthing about KazMat - either he's a Fukufriend (or is that Friendome?) - or they're in the market for a SS.

Or the Cubs' scouts see something in Matsui. If he really is finally healthy, maybe he would be better than Iguchi. Maybe.

by DGU on Nov 17, 2007 1:20 PM CST reply actions

"Fukufriend" LOL

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 17, 2007 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't do it.

Unlike KazMat, Iguchi has never played a single major league inning at anything other than 2B. Plus, he'll be looking for a fulltime 2B gig, rather than being a utility guy, and I'm sure there are teams that would offer him this.

We already have a second baseman. Signing Iguchi would be silly.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 17, 2007 1:20 PM CST reply actions

Iguchi and Fukudome

didn't go to high school together, either. Matsui and Fukudome did.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh Timmers on Nov 17, 2007 4:34 PM CST reply actions

ah..

but Iguchi and Fukudome played on the 96 Olympics team together...

by PrincetonCubs on Nov 18, 2007 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

I had to look this up.....

... because Fukudome was only 19 years old in 1996.

But it's true. Fukudome is the youngest player ever to be named to an Olympic baseball team.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 19, 2007 4:43 AM CST up reply actions

just a thought

can't the Cubs just do what the RedSox did last year and sign some middle reliever from japan? (or Hiroki Kuroda?) over the past several years the Cubs have proven that you can never have too many bullpen arms.

As for the Matsui thing i'll just say this : My sister is a Mets fan, i've seen Matsui play Shortstop, and it still gives me nightmares sometimes.

If we need a Shortstop, we should either A( go out and sign an actual shortstop, or B( give Cedeno another crack at the Majors. the DeRosa/Fontenot thing worked extremely well last year, and we've already got Omar Infante as a utility infielder.

you want Fukudome, take that 14.5 million and add it to the contract offer, that'll have more influence on him than signing Matsui.

by petrie on Nov 17, 2007 4:36 PM CST reply actions

shortstop issues

i hate to pry but can we please give ryan theriot at least a look at shortstop no one gives him any love anymore...it was his first full season in the moajors common....but i do like the idea you came up with about the middle reliever to come over also like the sox did i mean look how it worked out for them

by Believeincubbieblue23 on Nov 18, 2007 8:09 PM CST reply actions

love for 'the riot'

I agree, Theriot, among others, gave the Cubs line up a real shot in the arm when they needed it most, but his numbers did steadily decline over the course of the season. if he could just hit more consistently he'd be a great 2-hole hitter for us for his speed and appearent skill at baserunning. but from all the rumors i've been hearing it seems the cubs are bent on a new shortstop.

by petrie on Nov 18, 2007 8:17 PM CST reply actions

Hey Al,

your sources still thinking he is gonna be a Cub soon?

Just curious since things seem to be moving in another direction. Of course I say "seem" because this could be tactics.

MMMMM...Stuffed sausage from The Art of Pizza

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 18, 2007 8:55 PM CST reply actions

How do you think...

... things "seem" to be going in another direction? Be specific.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 19, 2007 4:42 AM CST up reply actions

Well

I guess your first report was a deal was iminent and to happen soon. Then all the media says he is now pondering whether to stay in Japan or not and has said some things that appear to indicate that he truly is considering this.

I guess that was the seemingly different direction. If you do not think so, please do add anything you have to add from your sources. I am starting to worry that DeRosa is our starting RF and Kaz is the 2B and basically that the Cubbies are gonna look like crap next year.

MMMMM...Stuffed sausage from The Art of Pizza

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 19, 2007 7:47 AM CST reply actions

Let this play out!

A lot of what you hear in the MSM is speculation, and some of this is also posturing. There's no way Fukudome is not coming to the USA -- as has been written in many places, he has been grooming himself to come over for at least four years.

It's November 19. To say that Mark DeRosa is going to be our starting RF next year is just silly. It's more than four months till opening day. Relax a little, please!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 19, 2007 8:42 AM CST up reply actions

Caaaaaaalm down Al.

Rumors and the MSM are where most of us take our info from. You fed us some juicier stuff a while back and I for one, have held on to it (because I really want him here in Chicago).

So...

I will take your advice but to get so worked up because not all of us have "insider scoops" is a bit hasty....don't you think?

MMMMM...Stuffed sausage from The Art of Pizza

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 19, 2007 8:54 AM CST reply actions

Sure, but...

... I don't see Kaz Matsui in a Cub uniform yet, do you? All we've heard about this are rumors.

And hey, do me a favor? When you are replying to a post by me, or anyone else, click "Reply to this" -- that way it will get threaded properly. Thanks.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 19, 2007 9:05 AM CST up reply actions