For the love of baseball.

My Chicago Cubs tried to sign a coveted Japanese pitcher, Masahito Tanaka. And failed. Just as well. After all, I suspect Tanaka is over-rated. We’ll see. Because Tanaka signed with the New York Yankees -- a seven-year, $155 million deal. That’s putting great faith in a guy that has yet to throw a pitch in the major leagues. He’s going on his reputation. In a Japanese league, where last season he went 24-0. Imagine that. An undefeated season.  And he allowed barely over a single run per game. Tanaka showed up in New York.  For a press conference.  He flew in from Tokyo. On a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. He rented the plane. For $200,000.  Shows he’s not wasting time tapping  into his newly-acquired fortune. And that he travels in grandiose style. With only six passengers aboard. Tanaka and his entourage, including his wife and pet poodle. Nobody had trouble finding a seat. The plane carries up to 200.  Anyway, now it’ll be interesting to see if Tanaka pitches in equally grand style. But he doesn’t have to worry. He gets to keep his money. Even if he flops. As for the Cubs, I’d rather see them spend $155 million on multiple players. It’s a lower risk. With a higher potential for big returns. I want players that love baseball. Even more than they love money. –Jim Broede