A new article from Bruce: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=81558 Cubs general manager Jim Hendry was on the road Tuesday, perhaps courting free-agent second baseman Kaz Matsui, who played for the National League champion Colorado Rockies. Hendry wouldn't give his location, but the Cubs are hot after Matsui. Despite reports that the Houston Astros are close to signing Matsui, the Cubs appear to be very much in the running. Hendry also likes Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, who has declared free agency but has yet to say if he'll change teams in Japan or come to North America. Fukudome, a left-handed hitter, is an on-base machine. He may not make his decision before the year ends. Outfielders Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay) and Ryan Church (Washington) also are on Hendry's radar, but neither of their teams is easy to deal with in trade talks. Whither Woody? The Cubs don't appear close to re-signing reliever Kerry Wood, a member of the organization since 1995. Wood is a free agent who may get offers from other clubs of two years and perhaps $10 million total. The Cubs look to be interested in an incentive-laden one-year deal with a club option based on health incentives for Wood, who came back from non-surgical rehab of his right shoulder this year.