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Cubs Release Munenori Kawasaki

The fun-loving infielder is moving on.

By Al Yellon
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — This Cubs roster move comes as a bit of a surprise:

I thought Munenori Kawasaki would wind up at Triple-A Iowa again this year with the possibility of filling in if/when there are injuries. Perhaps the Iowa roster is too full, or the Cubs didn’t think there would be any opportunities for him, and maybe he asked to move on. There are teams he could help and I think he’ll catch on with someone.

Kawasaki played in just 14 games for the Cubs last year, hitting .333/.462/.429 in a small sample size (7-for-21, four walks). Cubs fans will remember his infectious smile and always being fun in spring training camp and in his limited time with the big-league team.

Here are some video highlights from Mune’s Cubs career:

And here’s one of my favorite videos of him, from his time with the Blue Jays, the famous “I AM JAPANESE!” interview:

And one more, postgame after a Blue Jays division series win in 2015:

I wish Mune well. Always fun to have on your ballclub. With this move, there are 30 players left in Cubs camp. And, he could be back:

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