Astros sign Kazuo Matsui

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 10:19 PM CST Comment 70 comments

Bruce Levine is reporting that the Astros signed Matsui to a 3 year deal.

I know the Cubs think adding another middle infielder who's a lefty and has good speed is a must this offseason. So I'm kinda scared to see who they will add now. I didn't mind the idea of getting Matsui, but now that he signed with the Astros I won't lose any sleep over not getting him. I just hope that we don't add a player who's worse then Matsui.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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While Levine is Dependable...

... I don't see it anywhere.

by initram on Nov 29, 2007 10:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I haven't seen it posted anywere yet either

But I did heard Levine say it with my own ears, and it has been posted on the Scout Cubs message board and NSBB message board as well.So he has said this report a few different times.

Levine probably has a Cubs source with the Cubs front office. I bet Matsui people informed the Cubs tonight he choose to sign with the Astros, and the front office source let Levine know. It might not come out until tomorrow, but I believe this is true.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 10:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

MLBTR Wrote

"There's an unconfirmed report that Bruce Levine of ESPN 1000 said the Astros have signed second baseman Kaz Matsui to a three year deal worth $15-16MM. If so, Ed Wade saved Jim Hendry from himself. This would be the early favorite for worst free agent signing of the winter. Matsui is probably not worth half the money, and a three-year commitment for him is insane. Since he joined the Rockies in August of 2006, Matsui hit .256/.305/.370 away from Coors Field."

by initram on Nov 29, 2007 10:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

whew!

If this is true I mean. However, if this means Guzman, uggg....

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 29, 2007 10:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Eh.

Christian Guzman only has one year left on his deal, only making 4 mil and some change next season... I wouldn't trade anything more valuable than, say, Corey Bailey or Ryan O'Malley for him, but he did outhit Ryan Theriot last year, albeit in limited playing time.

The larger problem with Guzman, in my mind, is that it's like putting a band-aid on a sucking chest wound.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 10:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah...

but the guy didn't even play in 2006 and in 2005 he hit .219 with a OBP of .260 in 456 plate appearances.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 29, 2007 11:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I live in Washington

I saw that 2005 season. The Cubs do not want Guzman and I really don't think that Hendry would even be considering him. Matsui is a lot better than Guzman.

by rlpete on Nov 29, 2007 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Things are different now in 2008

In 2005 the Cubs had Nomar and Neifi as a back up and Ronny Cedeno hitting well in the minors. So the Cubs could now have more interest in Guzman as a part-time player. Plus there's a different manager now, Piniella thinks a lefty middle infield with speed is a must.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why is there all this Guzman discussion?

This came from a misunderstood comment on a fantasy message board.

The Cubs aren't after Guzman, and shouldn't be. Can we put this to rest now?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 30, 2007 4:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know that

I know it was just a rumor with no fact to it, I was just talking about possible options.(later mentioned Punto/Lopez/Podsednik as well) When Matsui is your top choice(and willing to pay him 3-14m), it usually means you have lesser options as a back up plan.

Trust me I hope the Cubs have no interest in Cristian Guzman, but if they wanted Matsui so bad it makes sense that they could have some interest in Guzman. But I agree lets just put all the talk about what bad middle infielder we might get away until we actually get one.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 4:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Guzman

Thats probably why the Cubs could Guzman pretty cheap.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce Miles confirms it

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=86977

I like Matsui alot more then I like Guzman, but at least Guzman is only under contract for one year if he sucks.

It's gonna be interesting who the Cubs bring in for this spot. I wouldn't be surprised to see them add someone next week at the winter meetings.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 10:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Of interest in that article...

...apparently Hendry is in the Dominican Republic right now. Probably he's checking out how Pie is doing with the Licey Tigers.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah thats probably it

Gerald Perry went down their last month to work with Pie, and I heard Pineilla/Hendry were suppose to go there and check up on him as well.

I know Hendry already thinks that Fuld could win the CF job next year. He probably wants to make sure Pie is progessing well, to make sure he's ok with those two fighting for the Cf job still.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

I'll be really interested to see if he starts knocking on Bowdens' door for Lopez.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 29, 2007 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope so

I would much rather have Lopez then Guzman next year.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Felipe Lopez is not a lefty hitter

not really anyway
In 2007 his splits
as a LH - .235/.296/.337
as a RH - .269/.335/.385

Although, it's odd. I dug deeper and his splits go back and forth when you look back to the years before. One year he hits better as a LH and the other better as a RH. I wonder if he has some trouble keeping his mechanics on both swings.

by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Felipe Lopez

Thats true, but in his two good season 05-06 he hit lefthanded pitching very well. Honestly I don't think the Cubs are going to be all that picky about it. Since this guy is gonna be a bench/platoon player.

Other then Guzman and Lopez, the Cubs might look at Nick Punto(hit 210 last year)Alex Cora and Abraham Nunez now, but Nunez and Cora don't have much speed.

But maybe they will just bring in a lefty infielder without speed, and bring in someone like Scott Podsednik for speed off the bench.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 12:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are on the right track

with making the speed guy an OF, specifically, he should be a right-handed CF who could potentially platoon with Pie should that be necessary. There's no shortage of those - Rajai Davis, Nook Logan, Reggie Abercrombie, etc.

I do think the Cubs are going to be picky about whether the backup IF hits lefty or righty, though, because the whole point is that the Cubs are "unbalanced" with all their righty hitters. You need a lefty to platoon Theriot. If the guy being right-handed didn't matter, we'd have signed Tad Iguchi by now, wouldn't we?

by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 12:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Time to go get

WILSON BETEMIT (before the Twins do)!

by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 10:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Betemit probably isn't a option

He has 5 SB in his career, the Cubs want to add a middle infielder lefty with some speed.

Piniella has said a bunch of times he wants more speed on the team. The lefthand hitting high OBP power hitter will be in RF. The Infielder just needs to bat from the leftside with good speed.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Which option that is left on the trade market

bats left-handed and has speed? If you must have speed, you're going to have to open up the prospect vault and pay through the nose for Brian Roberts (who may actually be worth it). Who else is there?

by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno

But I have heard Piniella say adding speed is one of the top needs this offseason. So I can see Hendry talking to the Nationals about Guzman or Lopez.

I personally don't think Brian Roberts is a option right now. I just hope this doesn't make Hendry give up anything of good value for Guzman now. I think Felipe Lopez is probably gonna cost a pretty good prospect or two in return if they look into him.

Thats why not getting Matsui might end up being a bad thing. Who knows maybe they will look for speed off the bench in the OF now instead.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Speed?

Earl Weaver pretty much sums up my feelings on team speed.

Not safe for work, home, school or vacation. Contains more swearing than I really know how to express.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 11:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tell that to Piniella

He thinks that the Cubs need another guy who could steal 20 plus bases a year, to improve the offense.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The lament of the armchair GM...

He just won't listen to my Internet message board rantings! Lord knows I've tried!

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 11:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Except that it is questionable whether

Betemit can play SS right now. He's never really played it regularly in the majors and he's looking more like a 3rd baseman. He's not exactly keeping the weight down either.

by rlpete on Nov 29, 2007 11:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, he's far from ideal

But he's one of the few options with significant upside and he should come cheap. I like to think that if you tell him this is his last chance to win a regular ML job or forever be a backup, he might lose some weight before spring training and be ready to go. And if he's not, well, you've still got Theriot and now a nice backup IF with some power from the bench. When the price is a middling reliever, what's to lose?

by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DGU

What do you think it would take to get Betemit? The Yankees coveted him while he was still with the Braves, though that might have been Torre more than Cashman. He is exactly what the Yankees need -- a switch-hitter, good pinch-hitter, can play anywhere in the infield in a backup role -- so they don't need to part with him. That being the case, they might demand more than the Cubs can/should pay.

What would you be willing to offer for him?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Yankees are in on Mark Lorretta

so unless that is only if they trade Cano, I figure Betemit is not in their plans. And as a switch-hitter, he's really only good from the left-side, so a right-handed backup IF might actually serve them better, given their preponderance of lefty bats in the lineup. If you are going to rest Jeter or A-Rod, do you really want to add another left bat into the lineup? To that end, Infante or Cedeno may go a long way towards giving them equal value.

Originally, I figured that if they gave up Scott Proctor to get him and we gave up Michael Wuertz in return, they'd have gotten return on the investment. If you think Wuertz is too much, then maybe Infante+Ohman.

I don't think that's unrealistic, do you?

by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on waiting for Cano

If they trade Cano in a Santana deal, they would probably be very interested in DeRo as the everyday 2B (one more RH high-OBP bat) with veteran Loretta as a backup -- both Loretta and DeRo can play SS, if needed. (Torre was known to covet DeRo -- not sure if Girardi feels the same way.) Perhaps Girardi isn't as tolerant of beer-gut guys as Torre was. (Girardi reportedly had a lot of problems with Cabrera over weight and laziness; Betemit is Cabrera Jr.)

In case they want DeRo, who would you want in addition to Betemit? A prospect? A reliever? Do the Cubs play Betemit at SS and Riot at 2B? Is DeRo untouchable?

If the trade doesn't involve DeRo, only Betemit, I think the Yankees might demand Howry, but settle for Wertz + prospect.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting thing about trades

is how differnt teams can have wildly different valuations for players. Personally, I'm not sure I value Howry that much over Wuertz, given their ages and arm mileage and contract situation. I'm not sure how the Yanks can ask for much more for Betemit than Wuertz, when Wuertz should be worth more than Proctor and Betemit's value went down after the trade.

Anyway, I'd want Betemit to platoon with Riot at SS, and I really wouldn't be inclined to trade DeRosa. He's not untouchable - I just need to have his OBP somewhere in the lineup.

Elsewhere I've speculated that maybe the Cubs could get a nice return on DeRo from a team looking for a 3B to then package that return off for Brian Roberts - let's say a three-way deal where the Phillies get DeRosa, the O's get Carlos Carrasco and Eric Patterson, and the Cubs get Brian Roberts - that's probably unbalanced and not enough from the Cubs, but you get the idea.

by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DeRo being traded

I just get the idea that Lou wants to unload him -- that's why he is stressing LHBs with speed for his infield without mentioning OBP. Why else did he have DeRo's OBP at the bottom of the order where it was useless? Bruce Miles mentioned this morning that the Cubs wanted KazMat to play 2B, with DeRo becoming a super-utility man. Given the makeup of the team, the only opening (assuming Pie in CF and Fukudome in RF) is SS -- a position at which Lou refused to start DeRo last year. Therefore, I think the "super-utility" thing was a smokescreen to try to get his replacement before trading him.

There are several possible destinations, with varying matchups. The Yankees, if they trade Cano; the Phillies -- who do they have to trade that we'd want?; the Indians (Jhonny Peralta?); the Nats (Lopez?); the Rangers, if they trade Blalock; the Red Sox, if they give up Pedroia for Santana; the Cards, though that is in the division and they don't have many trade chips; etc.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 8:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DeRo trade speculation

The Phillies have Carlos Carrasco, a Zambrano in the making. If they said he was too much for DeRosa (which they should say), I'd tell them they could always sign Aaron Boone.

I doubt the Indians would give Peralta for DeRo alone, but they may be in a position where a quantity instead of quality trade could work. The question is - if Lou really doesn't like DeRo (an "if" about which I am not convinced), then why would he like Peralta?

Nats - we don't want Felipe Lopez and I don't think DeRosa makes sense for them with where they're going.

The Mariners are apparently not satisfied with Jose Lopez at 2B. Wladamir Balantien is right-handed and blocked for the M's; if you can't get the lefty you want, you could do a lot worse than giving him a try in RF.

If you can convince the Jays that DeRo can play SS, get Adam Lind and you've got your lefty bat. Not sure he can play RF, though.

The Padres need a 2B and another OF; I doubt we could get Headley for DeRosa, but maybe a three-way trade could get us something else we want. Maybe they'd give Headley for DeRosa and Murton, the same way Milledge was given up.

The Dodgers are probably looking for a bigger bat at 3B, but if you can sneak into their prospect candy store, you can't go wrong.

Mostly with a DeRo trade you want prospects, I think, and I have a hard time knowing what is reasonable to ask for with prospects and a player like DeRosa.

by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Betemit

I wouldn't mind having Betemit on the team next year , but I think we'd have to many utility players on the bench. We'd have to trade Cedeño, Fontenot, Infante or TheRiot for it to make sense.

by thecoolest on Nov 30, 2007 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm assuming

that Cedeno is as good as traded. I'm also assuming that the Cubs don't want Fontenot on the big league club in 2008. I'd expect the middle IF picture to be Theriot-Betemit-DeRosa-Infante.

by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 11:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To quote Gerald Ford...

..."Our long national nightmare is over."

Okay, so what's the plan? Here are my choices:

Throw the kitchen sink at Fukudome.
Sign Aaron Rowand for CF; make Pie the RF against RH pitching (allowing him more time to adjust to big leagues) and platoon Murton against LHP. Angel Pagan (or Fuld) offers additional outfield backup, and with Soriano/Rowand/Pie the Cubs end up with one of the fastest/best defensive outfields in baseball.

In some ways, #2 might be preferable to #1, albeit more expensive.

by Chadnudj on Nov 29, 2007 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not so sure

I like Aaron Rowand, but the thought of him running face first into an unpadded brick wall is not what I need right after breakfast.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/11/astros-sign-k-1.html

by initram on Nov 29, 2007 11:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ok,

what can we learn from the Astros winning the bidding here?

1) Hendry was not in his get-at-any-cost mode for KazMat, which means
1a) he may have just been bidding the Astros up for Matsui;
1b) he may think there are other cheaper options;
1c) he may be limited financially;
1d) some combination of those three.

2) The Cubs did not get their Fukudome sidekick, so
2a) they may be less likely to sign Fukudome?
2b) or they may be back in the Kurdoa market?
2c) or they may jump into the Japanese reliever market (What would it cost to get Igawa as a LOOGY and BETEMIT?)
2d) or none of the above?

3) The Cubs still want lefty flexibility in the IF and there's no one left in the FA market, so they must go the trade route. I've posted before who the targets might be - who may be the most likely? I'm leaning towards Brian Roberts right now although I think the price would be sky high.

by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Kei Igawa as a LOOGY could well be a waste.

What I'd do with Igawa -- if the Yankees were shopping him, that is -- is put him in long relief with an eye toward moving him to the starting rotation. Not specifically for the Cubs, but I think with a bit more experience under his belt he could make a very servicable #4/#5 starter in the NL Central. The Yankees probably aren't shopping him, though.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Waiting for Pettite

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2007/11/29/another-day-another-round-of-rumors/ says that the Yankees are waiting to see what happens with Pettite before considering trading Igawa. That makes sense.

by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd take a chance on Igawa...

... ONLY if the Yankees ate most of that bloated contract. (And yes, I am aware that a big chunk of the money was the posting fee.)

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 30, 2007 3:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It was something ridiculous like...

$13m posting, 4y/$20m.

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Nov 30, 2007 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

5 years, $20 million.

So there's 4/16 left on the deal. That's not terribly prohibitive for a team like the Cubs, if they're willing to start acting like a real ballclub.

Really, I don't know that Igawa is a better option that what we have in house. He's a much better match for the pitching starved Cardinals, but I don't know what they have that the Yankees would want, save for the untouchable Colby Rasmus.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 30, 2007 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah...

that's right, 5y/$20m...we still have Eyre, Cotts, and Oh-MAN. How bout Ohman for Igawa and cash?

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Nov 30, 2007 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Yankees...

... might take Ohman, but I'd bet they'd also ask for a prospect, which could be doable, depending on who they want.

The Yankees seem to like stockpiling washed-up ex-Cub relievers (Farnsworth, Sturtze, etc.). If you think the Yankee fans hate A-Rod, ask one about Kyle Farnsworth.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 30, 2007 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Now that Ron Villone...

has gone off to try and find his fallen off arm, it's not a bad idea.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 30, 2007 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently...

...the Yankees want to add LaTroy Hawkins to the bullpen. So you may have something here.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 30, 2007 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Steve Stone...

... today mentioned that there is a relief pitcher on the Dragons that can accompany Fukudome from Japan.

Due to Matsui's bad back, Stone heavily favored this new option.

This is the first I heard of it. I do not recall the name.

by initram on Nov 29, 2007 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You mean Hitoki Iwase?

He has reportedly re-signed with Chunichi.

visiting A's fan.

by rfloh on Nov 30, 2007 2:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Don't Thik It Was Iwase...

... 'cuz I would have remembered that name.

Ironically, though, someone else reported hearing something similar to what I did here:

http://www.goatriders.org/node/1726#comments

by initram on Dec 1, 2007 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If It's Any Indication of How Important This Is...

... this news has been out for almost 2.5 hours, and ESPN, SI, MLB, not even Astros.com have this listed.

Not even a blip?

Let's get Fukudome...

by initram on Nov 30, 2007 12:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Whoever cubsfan25 is.....

...needs to quit posting things like "Piniella wants a ....." even if he or she thinks he or she heard him say it many times. It is simply not a hard and fast fact. Moreover, Hendry is not going after Cristian Guzman, cubsfan25, simply because some lame sportswriter listed that player as a possible option.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 30, 2007 12:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

What???

So you talked to Piniella and he has told you what the Cubs are gonna go after? I might not have personally talk to Piniella, but I have talk to a few reporters, with Cubs sources, and this is what I have heard.

Yes I haven't heard the Cubs will go after Cristian Guzman for sure. But it obviously makes alot of sense. Since Pineilla wants lefthanded hitter in the infield and speed.(according to what I have heard)

If you don't like what I'm writing I'm sorry. But this is what I have heard, so please don't tell me to quit doing anything. Please keep your comments to yourself, until you have hard and fast facts that would prove otherwise.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 2:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Right Back At Ya, Son

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 30, 2007 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It should be pointed out that....

... Matsui's presence on the Astros will not necessarily mean the Cubs can't or won't get Fukudome. Fukudome's not going to Houston -- they don't need an outfielder.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 30, 2007 4:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

If anything the Astros have too many outfielders now with Luke Scott not having a spot.

Bruce Miles said the other day, that he heard Matsui/Fukudome go way back, and if the Cubs signed Matsui he would be confident the Cubs would get him. But that doesn't mean the Cubs still don't have a really good chance at getting Fukudome. I believe Hendry is gonna go pretty hard after him.

But If we don't get Fukudome I'm probably gonna lose some sleep over it, and feel as bad as Kenny Williams felt after he found out Hunter signed with the Angels. I really think this guy is going to make a big difference with this team if we get him.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 4:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't lose sleep

There are other options out there. It's just that Fukudome is the best for what he costs (only $). If the Cubs don't get Fukudome, they may end up with a better player in RF (but a little lighter somewhere else on the roster).

by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like Fukudome is coming to the US

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove07/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=3135031

by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone suspected this...

...but VERY nice to see it confirmed. As always, the Rangers and Giants are listed as the other major suitors so far.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 30, 2007 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If it's...

... the Cubs, Giants and Rangers, I'd think the Cubs have the upper hand because the other two teams are far from contention even with Fukudome. I'd think he'd want to go to a team with a realistic shot at the playoffs.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 30, 2007 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the Giants

Have also been mentioned as Andruw suitors.

by elgato on Nov 30, 2007 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They can have him.

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 1, 2007 4:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well, whatever

i think matsui would have been nice to have to platoon with theriot, but i could care less wether we got him or not...if it wasnt for the kaz=fuku thing we had in the back of our heads. hopefully that was just a little overblown on our end.

hey fukudome, meet with your agent already, hopefully he's got a big tasty contract offer from hendry to let you mull over.

Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 11 K: 13 ERA: 0.82 WHIP: 1.00 K/BB: 3.25 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Nov 30, 2007 7:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs