VIDEO: Kawasaki's 3-run HR caps roller coaster day

One day, fans will call it the "Kawasaki hat trick."

Munenori Kawasaki, who became a fan favorite over his last several seasons in Toronto, added another page to his growing legend during the eighth inning of Tuesday's exhibition game, drilling a three-run homer just hours after the Chicago Cubs released and re-signed the excitable infielder to a minor-league deal.

As if that wasn't enough, Kawasaki celebrated with a bat flip before receiving the silent treatment in the Cubs dugout.

Kawasaki was one of three players - including Shane Victorino and Manny Parra - who the Cubs cut and immediately brought back in order to avoid paying $300,000 in bonus payments.

Despite Kawasaki's roller coaster day, Cubs manager Joe Maddon predicted big things from the man known more for his unique stretches and quotable sound bites than his ability to hit major-league pitching.

Said Maddon: "Kawasaki will be one of the most popular players in Chicago when he arrives."

(Courtesy: MLB.com)