Japanese Team Pursuing Nelson Cruz?

Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker passes along a Sanspo.com story.  Apparently the Hanshin Tigers plan to aggressively pursue Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz this winter.  Cruz had an incredible 2008, both in Triple A and a month with the Rangers.  It figures that they’ll pencil him in as next year’s starting right fielder rather than sell/trade him to Japan.  A year ago, Cruz could’ve been had for little.