Nady being shopped?? Cubs make call to Kuroda?? Fukudome notes and other rumors!

This according to MLBTR-

Pirates Looking To Ditch Nady
29 year-old outfielder Xavier Nady .278/.330/.476 as the Pirates' right fielder, knocking 20 home runs. However, he's a Scott Boras client and definitely doesn't fit into the team's long-term plans. He's arbitration-eligible, but his salary will still be reasonable after that. If Neal Huntington can't find a trade partner for Nady, he may even non-tender him.
It probably won't come to that, as Nady is a solid .800 OPS guy at a reasonable price. There's bound to be trade interest. Nady can handle first base or the outfield corners. If he was left-handed, he'd be a good target for the Rays.
Kovacevic also notes that Jose Castillo is "a virtual lock to be non-tendered." So add him to the second base market, if you think he's capable.

Hendry likes Nady and had interest in him at the deadline last year. He is a good solid right handed bat and has great power. I think the Cubs should take a look at him, he would be alot cheaper than bay as far as who you send them. I think he would be a great 4th outfielder and could be part of a platoon in RF if we don't land Fukudome and get a average left handed bat in for RF. I think he is an upgrade over Murton in my opinion. Hendry should at least look at him, he can do nothing but make us better.

This according to Chicago Tribune-

Seattle is considered the front-runner to sign pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, but the Cubs and Dodgers have paid him house calls. Kuroda is a close friend of Dodgers closer Takashi Saito and could benefit by working with Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima.

This guy would really complete the rotation. Tho the M's are expected to sign him I would expect the Cubs to make a push for him at the meetings!

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Here is some Fukudome notes and other rumors from the Times, Daily Herald, and Tribune-

"It's also pretty clear that Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome is No. 1 on the Cubs' Christmas wish list. The Cubs expect Fukudome to declare any time now whether he's coming to North America

"Both Chicago teams will inquire about outfielder Carl Crawford, a talent the Tampa Bay Rays insist is not going anywhere, though they continue to listen to all offers. Look for the White Sox to still court free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand. Both sides want a reunion too much for this thing not to work out. Look for the Cubs to be the top bidders on Fukudome."

"The ideal outfield targets are Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford or Baltimore's Nick Markakis, but the Rays' trade of Delmon Young to Minnesota last week makes an unlikely Crawford scenario even less likely. And while Andy MacPhail's Orioles have indicated they'll listen to offers for any of their players, a 24-year-old, third-year player with power and speed isn't the kind of guy a rebuilding team wants to part with."

"The Cubs would be tempted if they could find an impact player available in a trade this week who meets their need for power or speed. Possibilities would be Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford or Anaheim's Chone Figgins, who could become available if the Angels acquire Miguel Cabrera from Florida."

Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez -- signed through next season for $5.5 million and a known quantity to Piniella -- is high on the Cubs' list.

I would love for the Cubs to land Fukudome but if that fails a guy like Markakis or Crawford would be great additions. We have already heard Crawfords name before and we expect to hear alot more in the meetings whether or not the Cubs get Fukudome. Crawford and Markakis would cost alot of young talent to get them in Cubbie blue so a trade seems slim but still possible. Chone Figgins is another option who would be a good fit as a fourth OF/ super utility guy. He could also start the season in CF if Pie isnt ready. Here is the stats on Figgins, Markakis, and Ibanez-

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6986

Love the OBP and average of Figgins .393/.330 in 115 games. He provides alot of speed with 41 SB last year. He can play 3b, 2b, SS, and all outfield spots. He is only 30 years old and is owed 4 million in the last year of his contract. He could probably be had for a guy like Marshall or a couple of decent prospects.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7707

A 25 year old with speed, power, great glove, high OBP, good average and left- handed bat who is making near nothing. O's not likely to trade a guy like that unless there blown away but it doesn't hurt to try.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3504

He is an older guy but still has good power, a good OBP, and good rbi and average. He is below average in the field but he could be a nice bat in between Lee and Aram. He would cost Marquis and a mid level prospect I would think.