http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3149919&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

Padres, Cubs, White Sox interested in Fukudome

NAGOYA, Japan — Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome told the Chunichi Dragons he will not return next season, saying he wants to make a move to the major leagues.

Fukudome, who became a free agent last month, informed the Central League club of his decision Tuesday.

“I won’t be playing for a Japanese club next season, I’ll play in the majors,” Fukudome said. “I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years. I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States.”

Fukudome is regarded as one of the best outfielders in Japanese professional baseball. The 30-year-old was a key member of the Japan team that won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March 2006.

FUKUDOME!

FUK-U-DO-ME!

FUK-U-DO-ME!!!!!!

(i’ve made very little mental progress since the 6th grade)

obviously i’ m likely waaaaaay off on the pronunciation, but i’m a postmodern boy, and I can deconstruct explanations as i see fit.

i might cop a Fukudome t-shirt if he goes to the Cubbies.

my previous favorite sports name is of course the one and only Houston Nutt;  which reminds me i’ve been meaning to make a shirt with his name on it. also on the list is TJ Houshmanzadeh.  and Chris Leak.  and Dick Butkus.  and Kaka.  and a couple of times on the NorthEast Corridor train one of the attendants had a last name Woodcock, but he wasn’t a professional ballplayer as far as I knew.

Other awesome names are Cruncy Black, Young Leak, Old Dirty Bastard, and Brotha Lynch Hung.  they are rappers, of course.  and Karl Hungus, who is a fictional porno actor in the movie The Big Lebowski.