Cubs win Fukudome sweepstakes  —  Japanese outfielder agrees to four-year, $48 million deal  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs' patience paid off.  Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the team, pending his passing a physical.

Japanese star Fukudome coming to Chicago to play for Cubs  —  The agent for Kosuke Fukudome said that the player would make up his mind on a major league team quickly after deciding to come to the United States.  He was true to his word.  —  After deciding to play in the U.S. early Tuesday morning …

Cubs land Fukudome  —  The Cubs reached agreement tonight with Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome on a four-year deal, according to sources, beating out the White Sox and San Diego Padres for Japan's top hitter.  —  The deal is believed to be worth $45 million to $50 million.

Kosuke Fukudome Signs With Cubs  —  UPDATE, 12-11-07 at 10:43pm: MLB.com's Carrie Muskat says the deal is for four years and $48MM.  —  FROM 12-11-07 at 9:40pm:  —  Dave Kaplan of WGN Radio reports that the Cubs have signed Kosuke Fukudome to a four-year deal.  Kaplan says it's for about $50MM, maybe a hair more.

Padres lose out on Fukudome  —  The Padres found out tonight that they lost out in their bid for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, who accepted a four-year deal from the Cubs worth nearly $50 million.  —  The Padres were able to come to terms with Japanese second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, who accepted a one-year deal.

Bryant: Conflicts and missteps undermine Mitchell report  —  With the highly anticipated Mitchell report on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball expected to be released within the coming days, scores of baseball employees who were interviewed by former Senator George Mitchell's investigators …

Mitchell Report Expected to Name About 50 Major Leaguers  —  The headquarters for George J. Mitchell's investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball has been the DLA Piper law offices in Midtown Manhattan, right next to Rockefeller Center and just blocks from the Park Avenue offices of Major League Baseball.

Monroe's deal: A closer look  —  Craig Monroe signed a one-year, $3.82 million contract with the Twins today and can make up to $155,000 in incentives if he reaches 450 plate appearances.  He would also receive $25,000 if he is named comeback player of the year.  —  This is a non-guaranteed contract, however.