The Sun-Times' Chris De Luca continues today the series of recent reports that the Cubs have substantial interest in Japanese 30-year-old outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. A Hundred Next Years has a correspondent in Japan who is not all that high on Fukudome.

Curt Schilling has filed for free agency and listed the Chicago Cubs among 11 other teams for whom he would play in 2008. (Link via 1060west.) On the off chance that the Cubs and Schilling would come to terms on a 2008 contract, Schilling would bring more playoff mojo with him than any Cubs' player has had since Orval Overall (36 innings, 4 runs allowed in the 1907 and 1908 World Series).

Another Cubs Blog has the Cubs' free agent roundup. Even if the Cubs don't re-sign Kerry Wood within their small exclusive negotiating window, they ought to at least offer him arbitration, even though he is not worth a draft pick under the Elias rankings. That decision will not have to be made until December 1.

SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are contemplating offering Alex Rodriguez a 5-6 year extension at $30M per year, in an attempt to keep him from opting out of the remaining 3 years (at $90M; partially paid by the Texas Rangers) on his contract. It would keep him to age 40 or 41. Heyman also mentions the Cubs as a possible suitor, if Rodriguez opts out, likely only because of the Cubs' revenues and not because they would actually go after him. And for that amount of money and for that long, he can stay in New York.

Our local ESPN affiliate reported that the Cubs offered Jason Schmidt a hefty contract today, but I can't find any corraborating information online. Can anyone lend any credence to this rumor (or shoot it down?)