Cubs Eye Kuroda

In 2006, the Cubs were said to be close to signing an unknown Japanese pitcher. At the time, many thought it was Kei Igawa, but according to an anonymous NL Executive, that pitcher was Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda, 32, is a veteran in Japan and will probably be a number four starter if he were to join the Cubs. This season, he was 12-8 with a 3.56 ERA and 123 Ks. He won 13 in 2006 and 15 the year before that, so he is capable of being successful. The only thing that worries me with him is that he did give up 20 HR and that would not look well in the Major Leagues. But, he has had a pretty low ERA so he must have some good downward movement. I'm sure the Cubs would love to sign another pitcher, especially someone who hasn't been seen much by American players. The only other known team to be interested is the Mariners.