Hideki Matsui and Koksuke Fukudome make Jon Heyman's top 20 remaining free agents list.  Snips from the article:

7. Hideki Matsui, DH-OF. His .252 batting average from a year ago hurts him, but Oakland is a death trap for hitters. Wouldn't bet against this guy.

15. Kosuke Fukudome, OF. Speaking of being a disappointing Cub, Fukudome wasn't looked upon kindly as an overpaid North Sider. But as an outfield extra who plays defense and gets on base (.361 career OBP), he'd be a solid pickup.

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Matsui took 123 swings during soft toss BP on Wednesday.  He also started wearing batting gloves during BP for the first time this month.

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Tsuyoshi Wada will finish out his off-season workouts in Hawaii (he is scheduled to leave Japan later this week).

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Hisanori Takahashi is currently working out in Los Angeles.

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Ryota Igarashi tossed 52 pitches (mostly two-seamers and sliders) during his first bullpen session of the year.  He plans to toss five more sessions before the start of Spring Training.

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Tsuyoshi Nishioka is in the middle of divorce talks Naoko Tokuzawa.  Her inability to support Nishioka in the US and reports of an affair by Nishioka (which he has denied) are mentioned as reasons.  They are currently living apart from each other.

Nishioka is planning to head to the US on February 10.

Hisanori Takahashi left for Los Angeles on Monday.  Takahashi will continue his workouts in the US before heading to Hawaii in January.

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Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Brewers will wait to sign Norchika Aoki until they have had a chance to see him work out.

#Brewers, after winning rights to Japanese CF Aoki, plan to work him out in Arizona before determining whether to sign him. #MLB

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Todd Rosiak has posted a bit more.  A snip:

The next step will come around Jan. 4, when Melvin said the Brewers would bring Aoki to their complex in Arizona sometime in order to get their initial first-hand look at him.

"We have the opportunity to work him out. It was agreed upon with the agent," Melvin said. Aoki is represented by Creative Artists Agency, which also represents Braun.

"We had some information on him. That's the purpose of having the workout. We had some contacts and we talked to some people who are familiar with things over there."

...

"I think what you read is he's someone that doesn't have extra-base power, more of an average-type hitter," Melvin said. "He is very typical of most of the Japanese players in that regard. Pretty good defender."

Hisanori Takahashi worked out at in Yokohama on Saturday -- training included a lot of running running and some long distance catch (about 80 meters).  Takahashi is scheduled to return to Los Angeles early next week.  He also has plans to work out with Norihito Kaneto (YOM) and Hiroki Sanada (free agent) in Hawaii in January.

Takahashi also said one of his goals for next season was to start at least one game.  He then added, "If I do not approach the season like that, I will just keep growing older. ... If you can go long, you can also go short, but it is very difficult to go the other way. ... Honestly, [getting a start] might be impossible. ... We already have three great starters and we added the best pitcher in the division.  The rotation can probably compete for first and second best in the Majors."

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Daisuke Matsuzaka and Shuiuchi Murata (YOM) participated in a baseball clinic hosted by the Showa 55 Group in Kitakami, Iwate on Saturday.  260 kids attended the clinic.

After the clinic, Matsuzaka took a two-hour car drive to Higashimatsushima, Miyagi and visited a temporary nursery school.  Matsuzaka donated 50 air purifiers with heats to the city and five of them were being given away to the nursery school.

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Nikkan Sports makes mention of a couple of tweets by ESPN's Buster Olney that go against the idea of the New York Yankees doing a sign and trade with Hiroyuki Nakajima:

Sources: Yankees have not had any conversations about executing a sign-and-trade with SS Hiroyuki Nakajima since winning bid for him. [link]

Nakajima would probably be better served playing for another team, but the Yankees haven't had any dialogue with any team about trade. [link]

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Sponichi mentions a Globe and Mail article by Jeff Blair that discusses the potential economic impact of signing a Yu Darvish.  A snip:

Club performance played a role, but the bottom-line analysis was that Japanese players who make an impact – Ichiro, Matsui and Daisuke Matsuzaka, a free-agent pitcher who signed with the Boston Red Sox – could be worth an extra $11-million in revenue a season to their clubs.

And Matsuzaka also said he would be more than happy to provide Darvish with advice on the posting process if he needed it and offered the following advice through the media: do not rush negotiations as things will probably take time to fall into place; use your agent to get your ideas/thoughts across to the team you are negotiating with; and do not sell yourself short because you are worth it.

Incidentally, Sports Illustrated is reporting that the winning bid on Darvish beat Daisuke Matsuzaka's bid.  A snip:

Though the identity of the major league franchise that won exclusive negotiating rights to the 25-year-old right-hander has yet to be revealed, Japanese league officials say that the offer to Darvish's team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, is higher than the $40-48 million range that has been reported in the U.S. and Japan.

Via Nikkan Sports, Kosuke Fukudome on his current situation:

I do not really a preference for where I want to play (Japan or the US).  I will play where ever I am needed.  It is also possible I will not get any offers. ... I do not really mind if it takes a while for something to come to fruition.

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The Minnesota Twins are apparently interested in Tsuyoshi Wada and Hisashi Iwakuma -- GM Terry Ryan apparently met their agents on 12/5.  A snip from a Star Trbinue article by La Velle E. Neal III:

The Twins have spoken with the agents for Japanese pitchers Hisashi Iwakuma, a righthander, and Tsuyoshi Wada, a lefthander. Iwakuma was injured during last season and has to prove he's healthy. Wada is 33-13 over his last two seasons. Twins GM Terry Ryan remarked that, for some reason, pitchers have had an easier time transitioning to MLB than position players.

And Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon on Hideki Matsui (via ESPN):

"He's a wonderful professional," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

Maddon went on to call him a "clutch hitter" and a "good man." He said the Rays are just now discussing their plans for the DH spot.

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Iwakuma told reporters on Monday that while one of his goal did include winning a Cy Young award, he also wanted to win a Roberto Clemente award.  Teams interested in Iwakuma include the Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, Minnesota Twins, and Oakland Athletics.

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The Seattle Times' Geoff Baker on Munenori Kawasaki:

Zduriencik confirmed that he is looking at free-agent Japanese infielder Munenori Kawasaki — among others — for the backup shortstop job. Munenori said last week he'll only play for the Mariners and would take a minor-league deal if needed in order to team with training partner Ichiro. ... He added that defense is more of a priority for the job than offense. Kawasaki is known more for his glove than his bat.

Nikkan Sports is also reporting that he may end up getting a split one-year contract with an option for a second year.

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Hisanori Takahashi told reporters on Monday that he has plans to work out with Norihito Kaneto and Hiroki Sanada in Hawaii again in January.

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Ichiro Suzuki worked out for about two hours at Hotto Motto Field today (running, BP, long-distance catch, base-running).

Sponichi is reporting that the Baltimore Orioles are preparing to approach Tsuyoshi Wada.  The Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and LA Dodgers are also mentioned as being interested.  There is also mention that teams see Wada as a starter/reliever.

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An unnamed source with connections to the MLB told Sponichi that Munenori Kawasaki might be able to get a deal around US$1M.

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Norichika Aoki told reporters that he is looking forward to the possibility of facing off against Wada in the US.

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Via Nikkan Sports: Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal notes that a number of teams have contacted the Texas Rangers about Koji Uehara.  A snip:

Uehara could remain part of the bullpen mix, or the Rangers could trade him. Teams are calling the Rangers about Uehara, sources say, but club officials have been reluctant to move him.

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The LA Angels may have an interest in Hiroki Kuroda.  A snip from an article posted by the Orange County Register's Bill Plunkett:

The Angels have also been linked with free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda and Orioles right-hander Jeremy Guthrie as a potential trade option.

"Just as we've said all along, we are focused on finding the balance and stability to add behind Weaver, Haren and Santana in our rotation," Dipoto said of his agenda as next week's Winter Meetings approach. "There are a lot of different ways to get to that. It could be via trade or through free agency.

"That's something that has been a focus since Day One."

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Hisanori Takahashi hosted a charity golf competition to raise money for relief/reconstruction efforts in northern Japan on Thursday.  About 180 people attended.

A charity auction was held after the golf competition; all proceeds were be donated.

Hiroki Sanada has been posted to the Majors and teams will now have until 12/7 at 5pm EST (12/8 at 7am JST) to submit their sealed bids.

And in other related news: Hisanori Takahashi told reporters on Thursday that Sanada should work on his shuto/two-seamer because it seems to be an effective pitch in the Majors.

See also:

Returning to Yokohama not an option for Hiroki Sanada

Daily Sports: Yokohama Bay Stars to post Hiroki Sanada

Nikkan Sports: Ryota Igarashi tossed a shutout inning in relief Leones del Escogido on 11/19 - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 2 SO.

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Nikkan Sports: Hisanori Takahashi told reporters on Monday that he would love to play on the same team as Hideki Matsui again.

"It might be close to impossible, but this is not just about next year," said Takahashi.  "If it can come true at some point in time, I would be very happy."

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Tsuyoshi Wada told reporters on Sunday that he wanted more time to think, now that the season was finally over.

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Sponichi feels the Seattle Mariners may be the frontrunners for Munenori Kawasaki.  A separate Sponichi article notes that the Kawasaki would not mind signing a minor league deal if it is with the Seattle Mariners.

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Norichika Aoki worked out at Jingu Gaien on Monday and told reporters that he was not going to be posted any time in the immediate future.

"At this point, I do not see anything happening right away.  And not tomorrow either," said Aoki.  "I would like to decide on when after talking it over with my agent."

Games from the 29th:

Oakland A's 2 - Seattle Mariners 0
Ichiro Suzuki started in right and batted first.  He went 0-for-3: fly out to center, walk, fly out to left, strikeout swinging.  Ichiro finished the season with 184 hits.

Hideki Matsui entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the top of the 6th and remained in the game as the DH.  He went 0-for-2: fly out to center, GIDP.

Detroit Tigers 5 - Cleveland Indians 4
Kosuke Fukudome started in right and batted first.  He went 0-for-3: strikeout looking, strikeout (foul tip), fly out to left, HBP.  Fukudome was replaced by a pinch-hitter in the top of the 9th.

Texas Rangers 3 - LA Angels 1
Koji Uehara entered the game in the bottom of the 7th, with the game tied at 1, and tossed a shutout inning in relief.  Final line: 1 IP, 4 BF, 23-16 NP-S, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR.

Hisanori Takahashi entered the game in the top of the 8th (run on first, no out, game tied at 1) and got out of the inning without allowing a run to score.  Final line: 1 IP, 4 BF, 14-7 NP-S, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO, 0 HR.

Milwaukee Brewers 7 - Pittsburgh Pirates 3
Takashi Saito entered the game in the top of the 7th, with the Brewers up 7-2, and retired the side in order.  Final line: 1 IP, 3 BF, 19-12 NP-S, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR.

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The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser notes that there's a good chance Hideki Matsui will return to the A's next season.  A snip from one of her articles:

I just spoke to team president Mike Crowley, who wouldn’t come out and say the A's are re-signing Matsui – the team wouldn’t do that until it's all official – but he did say, stating the obvious and somewhat tongue-in-cheek, "Certainly Major League Baseball would be very happy if we brought him back. Ichiro and Matsui in Japan would be a good thing for everyone."

If it happens, here's the thinking: He's not going to be very expensive ($2 million or thereabouts), it would be a one-year deal, and given the price tag, should Matsui dramatically underperform again in the first half, the team could let him go without taking an enormous hit.

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Hiroki Kuroda looks back on his season and beyond, from Nikkan Sports:

I did reach one of my goals (200 innings) and I did it by doing my best each and every game. ... Anything is a possibility right now and there's nothing I can say [about what I'll do for next season].  I need some time to think.

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Ryota Igarashi is open to playing in either the US or Japan.  Via Nikkan Sports:

I do have feelings of trying a little more in the Majors. ... But it might be difficult for me to get a contract for next season.  I'd like to consider my options and pick which is best for myself and for my family.  And Japan is included in that. ... I managed to learn things in the Majors and improve myself.

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Nikkan Sports posted the from an Ichiro Suzuki press conference:

It seems things didn't go quite as well as you could have wished this year...

I got to try a number of things this season.  I got to do a number of trial and error type things.  But because that went well in April, it made the second half more difficult for me.  That came out in May and June.

You must have heard a lot of background noise (or, the background noise must have gotten to you)...

Actually, I didn't really hear that much.  But in the second half, I started getting e-mails from people around me, like my friends.  Just the other day in Texas, [Koji] Uehara said to me, "It must be difficult with the racket."  From those kinds of interactions, I realized what the public sentiment was.  It's a completely different feeling for me and I found that to be amusing.

You said that you stopped paying attention to numbers last season...

Oddly, when people start talking about things you can't do, that's when you find yourself wanting to [prove them wrong].

Do you think expectations will change now that the streak is over?

I think it will make things easier.

Your thoughts on next year's opening series taking place in Japan...

The current season just ended.  That's still far-off in the future, so I can't really comment.

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Nikkan Sports has the following quote from Tsuyoshi Nishioka on his first year in the Majors:

I couldn't accomplish any of my goals this season.  I was a frustrating year.  I had to face myself a lot in tough times.  I think this will turn out to be a good experience for me.  Next year will be a very important year.  I'll still be a challenger.  I'd like to continue making adjustments in my playing style so that I'm a better fit for baseball over here.

Games from the 25th:

Texas Rangers 12 - Seattle Mariners 5
Ichiro Suzuki started in right and batted first.  He went 2-for-5: ground out to second, infield single, ground out to second, ground out to second, single to center.

Oakland A's 6 - LA Angels 5
Hideki Matsui was the starting DH and batted third.  He went 1-for-5: fly out to left, fly out to left, single to center, fly out to left, fly out to right.

Hisanori Takahashi entered the game in the top of the 9th (bases loaded, 1 out, scored tied at 5) and allowed one of the inherited runs to score on a sac fly to center before getting out of the inning.  Final line: 0.2 IP, 2 BF, 3-2 NP-S, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 0 HR.

Minnesota Twins 6 - Cleveland Indians 4 (10 innings)
Kosuke Fukudome started in right and batted first.  He went 2-for-5: single to right, single to right, strikeout swinging, fly out to center, pop out to second.

Philadelphia Phillies 9 - New York Mets 4
Ryota Igarashi entered the game in the top of the 7th, with the Mets down 9-0, and tossed a shutout inning in relief.  Final line: 1 IP, 5 BF, 20-12 NP-S, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO, 0 HR.

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The latest on Hiroki Kuroda and whether or not he plans on returning to Japan next season, via MLB.com's Ken Gurnick:

Kuroda told reporters earlier this month that he intends to continue playing. He reiterated Sunday that if he ever returns to pitch in Japan, it would be with Hiroshima, his club for 11 seasons before coming to the Dodgers.

But he said he never said he would play a farewell season in Japan before retiring.

...

"I'll tell you one thing: I tend to go the other way. At this moment, I really don't know. I might stay here, I might go to Japan. It's 50-50."

Games from the 24th:

Texas Rangers 7 - Seattle Mariners 3
Ichiro Suzuki started in right and batted first.  He went 0-for-4: ground out to second, GIDP, ground out to short, ground out to first.

Yoshinori Tateyama entered the game in the top of the 7th, with the Rangers up 7-3, and retired the side in order.  Final line: 1 IP, 3 BF, 12-8 NP-S, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR.

LA Angels 4 - Oakland A's 2
Hideki Matsui started in left and batted third.  He went 0-for-3: walk, ground out to first, ground out to second (force), ground out to third.  Matsui also committed a fielding error (1) in the bottom of the 1st, which ultimately led to the Angels scoring the first run of the game.  For Matsui, it was his first error this season (26th game).

Hisanori Takahashi entered the game in the top of the 7th (none on, 1 out, and the Angels up 4-1) and recorded the final 2 outs of the inning while allowing 1 hit.  Final line: 0.2 IP, 3 BF, 12-9 NP-S, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 0 HR.

Cleveland Indians 8 - Minnesota Twins 2 (Game 1 Doubleheader)
Kosuke Fukudome entered the game as a defensive replacement in the top of the 2nd (in center, batting 8th).  He went 1-for-4: strikeout swinging, ground out to the pitcher, RBI single to right (run scored), GIDP.

Cleveland Indians 7 - Minnesota Twins 6 (Game 2 Doubleheader)
Fukudome started in right and batted first.  He went 0-for-4: fly out to center, fly out to center, strikeout looking, strikeout swinging, walk.

New York Yankees 9 - Boston Red Sox 1
Junichi Tazawa entered the game in the bottom of the 6th, with the Red Sox down 8-0, and surrendered a homer to the first batter he faced (Jesus Montero) before retiring the next 5 batters in a row and leaving with 2 outs in the 7th.  Final line: 1.2 IP, 6 BF, 24-14 NP-S, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR.

Milwaukee Brewers 6 - Florida Marlins 4
Takashi Saito entered the game in the top of the 6th, with the Brewers down 4-3, and retired the side in order.  Final line: 1 IP, 3 BF, 14-7 NP-S, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 0 HR.

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Tsuyoshi Nishioka was placed on the disabled list on Saturday. Via MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger:

The club also announced Nishioka's season was over that same day, as he was shut down with a strained right oblique and was placed on the DL retroactive to Sept. 15. He finishes his first year in the Majors with a .226 batting average, no homers and 19 RBIs in 68 games.