Hiroshima Toyo Carp right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, 32, will soon decide whether to exercise an opt-out clause and join countrymen Daisuke Matsuzaka in the majors. He's considered more polished than Matsuzaka, 27, because of his age and experience. Because he's an 11-year Japanese veteran, teams don't have to pay a posting fee to Hiroshima just to win the right to pay him. Kuroda projects as a No. 3 or 4 starter, and Japanese sources say the teams with the most interest are the Cubs and Seattle. The Cubs considered signing Kuroda last winter, but he decided to stay in Japan with a four-year deal worth $10.4 million in U.S. money. Now that he appears ready to come overseas, expect the Cubs to jump into the fray again.