Fukudome a Cub!!!!
by cubsnlinux on Dec 11, 2007 10:02 PM CST
Email
PrintAccording to ESPN Latin America and Dave Kaplan on WGN Radio, it looks like Kosuke Fukudome is a Cub.
This Nikkan Sports Article also has pointers (as far as I can deduce from the google translator) that Kosuke has chosen the cubs.
More proof -
This Article says that the Padres have LOST out on Fukudome.
Update [2007-12-11 23:6:12 by cubsnlinux]:
Contract - 4 years, $US 50 million.
Great Job Jim Hendry!!!.Now we can all have a merry Christmas.
Confirmation from Fox Sports
Confirmation from ESPN
Carrie Muskat over at cubs.com is saying that the deal is $US 48 million over 4 years.
Chicago Suntimes Report
Tribune Report
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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just reported...
Excellent.
Any info on the contract?
there's already a diary about this.
Wow, never thought I'd be so excited about someone I"ve never seen play before. Now they can move on and address their other needs.
actually no I didn't.....hehe
This was bound to happen...
It's the guy that posts at 9 am tomorrow morning "Hey, I just saw on Sportscenter that the Cubs got Fukudome"... yeah, THAT guy will catch hell.
You're assuming
So true akcubfan..
I did once
Anyway, hooray for us! Now get Bedard because I'm greedy.
Right now...
Apparently LeBron is hurt.
And now...
HAHA
actually, i broke the story
haha I'm so excited!
Everyone,
Ready, set, Go!!!
On a baseball note, hopefully the off-season plan will start rolling now.
by cubbyblue137 on Dec 11, 2007 9:51 PM CST reply actions
Who's gonna break this to the
My suggestion for the title of the Diary...
Man, I really didn't need another reason to drink more wine tonight, but I got one.
I'll crack open another Labett....
Dan
usual mantra
"Petco park was supposed to make us competitive"
"damn John Moores"
"1984"
I haven't gone over there, but I assume that's what you'll find.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 11, 2007 11:30 PM CST up reply actions
Great News.
Start Prepping
FUKUDOME!!!!!!
Fuky is coming!!!! Fuky is coming!!!
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:04 PM CST reply actions
I don't want to claim responsibility for this...
Fukudome
Kohsuke with his new team's mascot!!!!!
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:12 PM CST reply actions
This picture
No posting pictures of the player
maybe the poster is a bear....?
lol!
by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 10:51 PM CST up reply actions
Or swinging a bat and hitting a bear....
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:34 PM CST up reply actions
If the picture is him
Ok..I must apologize for the pic of the child...
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:52 PM CST up reply actions
Not a problem
Tell me why exactly he should apologize?
by Chitown Mojo on Dec 12, 2007 9:02 AM CST up reply actions
Just because you asked
Um...you totally missed the humor in my post...
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 12, 2007 11:32 AM CST up reply actions
Ok
He's a frickin' sports star....
http://www.fukudome1.com/gallery/diary/diary_photo.html
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 12, 2007 12:41 PM CST up reply actions
Did you just make a joke
See now that is completely offensive, I ask that your post be immediately removed.
And god forbid that with "Victoly" you actually meant that someone from Japan will have an accent when speaking English. I mean they will given that their natal tongue is 'frickin' Japanese and not English, but how dare you actually say it??!!? completely taboo mate.
I mean imagine them actually stating that we say "Sayonara" funny... Oh God, my tutu would fly off in indignation.
please...
by Chitown Mojo on Dec 12, 2007 12:56 PM CST up reply actions
Yes...I made a joke...
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 12, 2007 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
OK, I'm sorry but I do need to ask more...
Is it so bad that it can't be discussed here?
by Chitown Mojo on Dec 12, 2007 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
aboslutely
So our corner outfielders are set.
I want to keep Pie...
Dan
Absolutely
Maybe better stated: Piniella will have a little more patience to allow Pie to develop - what better way than batting in the 8th hole?
A good team last year
Wet Blanket
If the Cubs really wanted someone else to play the position, couldn't they have picked up an established veteran with a proven track record of Big League success (such as Bad Brad Wilkerson) for the same money? Or would they have been better off by "saving" the money to put it toward a real difference maker.
Is he an improvement? Defensively most probably - but not a major improvement. Is he an offensive improvement? I don't think so.
by frustratedfan on Dec 12, 2007 9:53 AM CST up reply actions
good one
the cubs said they were looking to a)get more left-handed, b)add obp, c)a good defensive, speedy right fielder.
they did exactly that.
and you are saying, "couldnt they have picked up brad wilkerson" suggesting that it would have been a better move? are you serious?
bradley wilk, owner of the .234 .319 .467 line last year.
over
F-bomb who in his last full year in japan put up: .351 .438 .653
riiiight. half-assed job of filling the hole in right field. go get frustrated some more.
F Bomb?
The Cubs wanted to add a left hander with good OBP who was speedy and a good fielder.
Left Handed? Check. Fuku's lefthanded. Wilkerson's also left handed.
OBP? Fuku's career number (in Japan) is .397. Wilkerson's career number is .354 (Major League)
Speed? Fuku one steal every 15 ab, Wilkerson one steal every 17 AB. Small edge to Fuku.
Fielding? Fuku Career fielding .990, Wilkerson .990
The real question is whether Fuku will drop as much as other Japanese players have dropped when they moved to MLB or drop not as far. If he drops as mush as expected, his numbers will be no better than those that Wilkerson would have posted for a lot more money. And Wilkerson, over the course of his career, has earned a total of 12 million.
In other words, once again, Hendry has purchased a cart of sow's ears that he will try to convince us are silk purses.
by frustratedfan on Dec 12, 2007 9:52 PM CST up reply actions
Wow
by Porfi on Dec 12, 2007 3:53 PM CST up reply actions
Hope not
by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Dec 11, 2007 10:30 PM CST up reply actions
Roberts
by Copter OBob on Dec 11, 2007 10:38 PM CST up reply actions
Hendry Has Plenty of Money
One argued that if he pressed it, it could go to $135M.
The money will be there.
Money
i want to dedicate this to fukudome...
and plays like hes never played before..."
Goodness
18-22 HRs, 85-90 RBI's, .290+ BA, OBP 390,
I would take those.
by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Dec 11, 2007 10:28 PM CST reply actions
How do you get the pics on here?
670 The Score is reporting....
The thought of
Roberts
DLee
Fukudome
Ramirez
Soriano
Soto
Pie
Theriot
is really nice.
The thought of
Zambrano
Bedard
Lilly
Marquis
?????
Seems pretty good to me. If Hart or Gallagher are still around after any possible trade, I wouldnt mind seeing them in the fifths spot. I really see Dempster part of any deal that happens, so I dont see him as part of the equation.
I am left with one question, if this dream scenario does actually come about. Where does Mark Derosa, possibly my favorite 2007 Cub, fit in? Is he gone? Is he super-sub? Or does his bat make up for his bad range at short? If Roberts is at second, I think Derosa at short wouldnt be a bad idea. Not a great one, but a good enough.
Amen!
by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 10:54 PM CST up reply actions
Seems a bit like cheating...
Dan
Hill and Soto are the ONLY two guys...
Agreed...
by SouthernCub on Dec 11, 2007 11:07 PM CST up reply actions
Can't we keep Pie???
Dan
If you got Ramon Hernandez back
Hernandez is old in baseball years...
WHY
he of the 31 (career stats)
-BA---OBP--SLG--OPS
.263 .328 .423 .751 ISOP .159
Soto
.389 .433 .667 1.100 ISOP .278
even if Soto drops (he will) its better than Ramons projections/ career #'s AND 7 yrs younger
I'd predict Soto at (18-20 HR per yr)
.280 .350 .650 .800
by gmsnctry on Dec 12, 2007 12:11 AM CST up reply actions
Trading Soto is inconcievable.
Ramon Hernandez
Look, I don't want to get rid of Soto, I just know that to get talent you have to give up talent. And it is a lot more likely that Soto is at his peak value now, whereas players like Hill and Pie and Marshall are still looking up at their peaks.
Bounceback
by gmsnctry on Dec 14, 2007 7:34 AM CST up reply actions
+1
by PrincetonCubs on Dec 11, 2007 11:07 PM CST up reply actions
With all due respect
How good is Bedard? Keith Law, for one, said that if the Reds get him, which they might, they're the NL Central favorites (and the Cubs would likely be picked to finish third (with the Brewers second) in what is supposed to be a weak division).
Bedard alone is worth Hill, Gallagher, Pie, Colvin and Murton.
And I still don't think Angelos approves that deal, as nuts as that is with Bedard ready to bolt in two years.
by cubz1963 on Dec 12, 2007 12:39 AM CST up reply actions
Preaching to the choir here cubz
Is Hill good? Yes, but c'mon, he is and will never be a Bedard, who is younger than Hill nonetheless. In Bedard, you'd be getting an Ace and with Hill, you'd be losing your #3. Having Bedard and Zambrano at the top of the rotation and pitching on consecutive days, would go along way to putting this team in the World Series.
I'd be willing to give up Hill, Gallagher and Cedeno for Bedard. I think the Orioles would definitely consider that.
Rotation:
Bedard
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster/Marquis/Prior-other
Marshall
THat looks a hell of a lot better to me than:
Zambrano
Lilly
Hill
Dempster/Gallagher/Marquis/Prior
Marshall
I find it hard to believe that someone would think otherwise. This team is built to win now Cub fans....not in 3 or 4 years when all of these great prospects are gonna be ready and not 2 or 3 years from now when Hill will supposedly reach his prime.
Not sure why I said Bedard is younger than Hill
But he's much better than Hill. People who think otherwise, apparently have never seen Bedard pitch.
+1
A prospectis just that a prospect, especially a pitching prospect.
Prospects are not a know commodity (the bust rate is what 50%? less if you include them being converted to BP)
Bedard is a know commodity- Hill might get there (as may Gallagher) but Cedeno is at best still an unkown (if not a bust)
Bring in Bedard
by gmsnctry on Dec 12, 2007 1:01 AM CST up reply actions
points well taken, but...
by PrincetonCubs on Dec 12, 2007 7:44 AM CST up reply actions
rather bedard over hill BUT
Bedard:
196 ip, 171 k, 1.35 whip, 3.76 era
Hill:
195 ip, 183 k, 1.19 whip, 3.92 era
so while bedard busted out this past year to post ace statistics, hill and bedard look very similar in their age 27 years, with hill's strikeouts and whip ahead of bedard.
If you're saying that you'd rather have Hill...
Have you ever seen Bedard pitch?
i dont see where
I think he's simply saying the cost associated with acquiring Erik Bedard (and keeping him long-term) may be significantly more than the difference between Rich Hill and Erik Bedard
which is a pretty reasonable statement
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 12, 2007 10:30 AM CST up reply actions
So was mine....
If you were a GM and you didn't make a trade involving Hill for Bedard based on those numbers, then that would be a mistake, is my point.
That's exactly right.
my friend
but when you said hill will never be as good as bedard, i thought that was a little odd, when you see that hill was better (all things equal in an easier league, but still better) than bedard when they were 27. to hill's credit it was his first full season and he should be better going forward.
i actually said above that if hill had to be included in a deal for bedard AND roberts then ok, if it happened id be happy. id rather not trade hill, and would not trade hill if the trade didnt include BOTH roberts and bedard. but i still think hill has the potential to be bedard-good, and is currently the cubs best pitcher.
As your friend...
If Bedard came to the Cubs, he'd be one of the top 2 pitchers in the league.
I'll ask again, have you ever seen Bedard pitch? He's bloody feethy mate. (sorry, watching London Ink)
Tend to lean your way
A few things bother me about Hill; he got more hittable as scouting reports got around the league, he seems to lack a "killer instinct/confidence" that is essential in a star pitcher, and he is one pitch (a change) from really raising his game.
Regarding Bedard, I think he would be more effective in the NL Central than he was in the AL East, and I am not so sure he wouldn't become the Cubs best pitcher over an entire season.
Who knows what will happen, but it looks like Hendry and McPhail will re-engage their discussions in regards to both Roberts and Bedard.
"there is no comparison"
i just pointed out, but we can do it again, these guys are one year apart in age, and at age 27 hill had a better whip 1.19 to 1.35. thats significant. and a better strikeout rate. now you can easily argue that hill has more strikeouts due to competition, which is fine i concede that. but the fact that hill and bedard had very close era's and that hill wins in K's and WHIP at the same age, tells me there is a chance hill could be as good as bedard.
but for the last time, ha im saying i would do a trade that included the swap, I WANT BEDARD, I DO think he is better than hill.
but to say they arent comparable, is just odd to me.
i think
he jumped like 3 levels forward going from Good Pitcher, to "Best Pitcher in the Game, type good"
that's a massive jump
and one that cant be anticipated when projecting out a player.
Hill certainly "could" make that jump next year, which is the case you're making and one that is mostly accurate
but to compare them as if that jump is likely... is really underestimating how hard it is to make THAT BIG of an improvement
Bedard didn't simply get better this year, he went from good to utterly dominant
now Rich Hill has the talent to do that, but so do a lot of other pitchers and the majority of the time the improvement isnt as vast as Bedard's was this season
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 12, 2007 11:51 AM CST up reply actions
without a doubt
people have mentioned before, and its seen in guys like randy johnson that sometimes these tall lefties just blossom later, and i definitely think hill will continue to get better, and COULD blossom into the #1 that bedard is. its not likely, but i think they are comparable.
as far as seeing him pitch
bedard
roberts
for
hill
colvin
veal
cedeno
marshall
i dont think we should have to part with gallgher, the rumored deal was cedeno and marshall for roberts, if the o's turned it down, then the cubs should stick to it if they're including hill. i think hill, colvin and veal is more than fair for bedard.
You can watch...
cool
hill veal and colvin is too much, i agree. but marshall and cedeno for roberts is a little lite, no? so i split the difference. id say colvin and hill for bedard may be fair, say half of veal goes to roberts, half goes to the bedard side.
really?
O's trade/DeRosa
- If Hendry can get both Bedard and Roberts for Hill and a second pitcher, then there are very few pitchers the Cubs have who should not be considered for that trade. Zambrano and Lilly are the obvious untouchables. Most of the rest should be considered fair game, the question for the Cubs being, "Does trading this player create a new hole?" Because the Orioles are probably trying to dump salary I doubt they'd take a guy like Marquis.
- I doubt very much that the Orioles would accept Dempster or some other plate of table scraps in that trade. I expect the Orioles would insist the second pitcher be someone young, fairly inexpensive, and with an upside but maybe a questionable future in the Cubs' rotation or bullpen. Marshall seems a good bet to me, and fair considering the salaries the Cubs would take. Now watch the Orioles demand Marmol.
- I like DeRosa too but having a 2B with great range won't offset DeRosa's limited range at SS much if at all.
- I'll still take an infield staffed by three Gold Glove contenders/winners (he's not Brooks Robinson or Santo but I think Ramirez has turned into a pretty good defensive 3B).
- I imagine DeRosa's trade value is considerable after demonstrating that his contract year numbers in Texas weren't a fluke. If he isn't traded I expect he will be a super-sub but I'm not the only one worried that he won't get even 400 at bats in that role. I want to see his bat in the lineup as often as possible.
- I'm 4/5 kidding here but if there's really no place for DeRosa then the Cubs could go for the Baltimore trifecta by trying to get Tejada too. Yes, his skills have diminished, he's hugely overpaid, and he may be suspended for a while. He also might be a better SS than the Cubs currently have and..well..nevermind because I'd still probably prefer DeRosa and we certainly don't want the Cubs to go back to being the Orioles.
by Copter OBob on Dec 11, 2007 11:20 PM CST up reply actions
I'm a graphic designer
I would recommend...
...uploading it onto a service like Photobucket. Then, take the URL of the image and link it like so:
<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u30/cwyers/cubsyost.jpg">
The link you want will be in the direct link box. I'm sure Al would appreciate it if you kept the image down to a reasonable size.
wow....
That one poor fan was trying to simply point out how immature it is for them to wish failure on Fukudome when minutes before the news broke they were hoping for him to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. The sad part? This is what would happen on BCB if another team got him instead of the Cubs.
by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 11:05 PM CST up reply actions
This is what I love:
Depending on how you rank cities
If you rank by tv markets, which I think is the best way to rank the size of sports team's markets, as of 2004, San Diego was the 26th biggest market. That is small market among MLB cities.
If you go by metropolitan area, SD was ranked 16th as of 2003.
by Porfi on Dec 11, 2007 11:13 PM CST up reply actions
I live here in San Diego...
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 11:16 PM CST up reply actions
Yep, absolutely
With most of the residents transplants, I'm not sure why that is. Must be the natives that have this complex.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 11, 2007 11:36 PM CST up reply actions
and it isn't
by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 11:16 PM CST up reply actions
Uh
San Diego Padres
California Angles
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Jose Athletics
San Francisco Giants
by frustratedfan on Dec 12, 2007 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
San Diego IS a small market...
by SouthernCub on Dec 11, 2007 11:20 PM CST up reply actions
Given the current flush state of baseball...
Hit post too soon...
Or getting good players via free agency...
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 11:45 PM CST up reply actions
Well done, sir...
Wrong
The Pads made a fair offer - not the front office's fault that the Cubs overpaid for the guy. And, yeah, they overpaid for him.
And, yeah, I hope he tanks, too. Because I hate the Cubs. A lot.
by Winfields Ghost on Tue Dec 11, 2007 at 11:12:00 PM EDT
Aye
I didn't say "I hope Jake hits him with a fastball and his elbow explodes and he can't play for the duration of his contract", I was basically saying, "F the stupid Cubs and other big market teams that make it difficult for mid-to-low revenue clubs to improve via the crappy free agent market. I hope this contract blows up in their faces to teach them a lesson. I am a bitter, bitter man."
by NYCPadre on Tue Dec 11, 2007 at 11:29:18 PM EDT
GREAT!!!
Dan
I can understand their feelings...
by SouthernCub on Dec 11, 2007 11:18 PM CST up reply actions
John Moores
Moores COULD spend more, but he doesn't, and Sandy Alderson is just the guy to lead this franchise -- following the Oakland model.
However, I haven't seen the A's as winners for a while, so this model can only go so far.
But this is typical -- usually, postings such as these are aimed at the Dodgers, or whatever big market team has 'done them wrong' on any given date.
The big deal this summer was the 'takeover of Petco by Red Sox fans..' They were unusually pissed, ever more so than if the Cubs or Dodgers were in town. I loved their angst.
They need to take this up with their owner, not the Cubs, but we and the team are easy targets.
It is ironic the only video of Fukudome that's everywhere is Fukudome hitting a moon shot into the upper reaches of the RF stands at Petco during the World Baseball Classic.
That's a helluva slam, to that death valley RF.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 11, 2007 11:44 PM CST up reply actions
And that's the EXACT same argument...
Is it rational? No. Is it pretty normal? Sure. If I were a fan of a team that never spent money, I'd be jealous of other teams too and angry when those free agents went elsewhere. It's natural. I'm certainly not going to hold it against them, as I was there just a few years ago.
by SouthernCub on Dec 12, 2007 12:04 AM CST up reply actions
True Bab
and if I didn't know just how much Padre fans loathe Cub fans and everything they stand for, I'd have some compassion for them but I do, so therefore I'm loving every moment of their pain on losing out on the Fukudome sweepstakes, to the Cubs nonetheless.
Take that Steve Garvey.
The situations are a bit different
The Cubs draw 3 million -- the Pads, at their best draw 2.2 million, and their tickets are cheaper. (but they do have PSL's for their best seats, and plenty of luxury boxes of various prices) TV/Radio rights in SD are minimal, that is a problem.
Granted, there have been years that the Cubs did keep the payroll down. But a better example would be on the South Side, where for years Jerry Reinsdorf ran the White Sox as if they were the Montreal Expos.
He did wise up in the past few years, obviously. Now, Kenny Williams spends money as if the Sox have cash to burn -- and, like Cubs GM's of the past (Danny Jackson, Mel Rojas, Dave Smith -- flopped FA's that come to mind) is giving bank to mid-level guys like Scott Linebrink.
Imagine if he ran the Bulls in that fashion -- there'd be no 6 Rings, and there are people today that believe Jordan was underpaid.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 12, 2007 12:36 AM CST up reply actions
That's even MORE fire for my argument...
Honestly, I don't see the point in ripping the Padres' fans. It has to be frustrating for them to constantly be outbid on the free agent market. It's COMPLETELY understandable for them to resent other teams' ability/willingness to spend. It's not rational/logical (it's clearly displacement), but it's completely normal and understandable.
At 4/48...
Padres fans
The grammar police...
Isn't that sweet?
You learn something new every day. Must be pissed about us sending them Barrett still.
by Kinky Reggae on Dec 12, 2007 8:21 AM CST up reply actions
Daily Herald's Story
by Goat Whisperer on Dec 11, 2007 10:59 PM CST reply actions
Interesting Comment...
"He can hit anywhere in the lineup -- three, two or five."
Bat Fukudome 3rd?
He HAS to bat second...
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Dan
If we land Roberts...
Soriano
Roberts
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
Dan
I think a big reason for this signing...
Batting 4?!
Dan
If the Cub landed Roberts too
Roberts - SS
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Soriano
Derosa 2b
Soto
CF
Now that's a friggen lineup. With Soriano at 5, he can obviously drive in runners but also take advantage of his HR's instead of all those wasted solo shots. Plus, at 5 he can use his speed when he gets on and make things happen for the bottom of the order. It's a great lineup.
That lineup bats the 2 lefties 1/2
Soriano also has career numbers showing him hitting much better as a leadoff hitter. I highly doubt he's moving out of that role. He's not the preferred leadoff hitter with the high OBP, but putting one of your best hitters at leadoff is not the worst thing in the world.
If we get Roberts, he bats second, Fuku fourth, Soto sixth, Pie eighth and you have your guys who hit righties better all balanced through the lineup.
Agreed...
Roberts is a switch hitter
Breaking up Lefties with a Righty,is more important than breaking up RH.
Hitting Kosudome clean up when his best asset is his patience and his OBP, just to "break" up the Righties, is a waste and not wise, IMO.
I can see it now, men on 2nd and 3rd, 1 out and Dome is hitting cleanup and works a 14 pitch walk and then ARam Hit's into a DP and Cub fans everywhere cry about Fukudome working an AB for a Walk when he should've been trying to hit it in play to drive in a run.
Fukudome is best served to this team, hitting 2nd.
If We Land Roberts...
- Roberts (2B)
- Theriot (SS)
- Fukudome (RF)
- Lee (1B)
- Ramirez (3B)
- Soriano (LF)
- Soto (C)
- Pie (CF)
Realistically, Soriano could bat in the first many times with a 3- to 4- run lead...
I like this:
- Roberts 2b
- Fukudome RF
- Lee 1b
- Ramirez 3b
- Soriano lf
- Soto c
- Theriot ss
- Pie/fuld
Agreed on not hitting Theriot
IF Theriot is the Cubs SS, he will hit 8th.
agreed
our SS/CF combo should be batting 7th-8th
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 12, 2007 9:50 AM CST up reply actions
The only problem...
However, because the team seems to want a LH bat to split up the RH-dominated middle of the lineup, I think we'll see Fukudome batting 4th or 5th.
by SouthernCub on Dec 12, 2007 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
Precisely...
Pie is another lefty, and hasn't proved his plate discipline for the 2 hole.
DeRosa won't be playing everyday, so you can't choose him.
Soto? I doubt it... he's likely better further down... 7th.
Hence, TheRiot.
love theriot in the 2 hole
Well Ramirez doesn't do night to day games
by IllinoisCubs on Dec 11, 2007 11:50 PM CST up reply actions
More on that quote
I don't know if this is the first time, maybe it's selective memory on my part, but to hear Hendry specifically mention OBP as a need is really refreshing. In the past I only remember him talking about OBP after someone had asked him about it, and even then, he would say something along the lines "yes, it's important, but...". In any case, this is definitely a step in the right direction.
Luis
I second that...
Dan
FLY THE FLAG!!!
FUKUDOME!
Perfect!!!
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 11:14 PM CST up reply actions
Ge ge ge ge yeah!
I live in San Diego
I actually do respect their front office and what they have done on a limited budget over the last decade. I personally think there are some drastic things they could do at Petco Park to change attendance, and they better because I think it's going in the tank quickly if they don't get out of the gate fast next year, and they basically have no major league quality outfielders on their roster right now.
The Fukudome loss is going to hurt them a lot. Not that I'm crying for them or anything.
GO CUBS!
Hopefully with have MANY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rYllEVLkKdM&feature=related
FUKUDOME!
I dont care what language your speaking, That ball was CRUSHED!
For those worried about the power translation
Fun.
That ball was still rising
Thank you Jimbo!
Good to see this.
by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 11:51 PM CST up reply actions
Crushed Indeed
Let me be the first to say it, he is an attractive man!
by 26.2cubfan on Dec 11, 2007 11:53 PM CST up reply actions
I love the bat flip!
This is a good contract
So, anyone want to take a stab at where BA will rate Fukudome in their top prospect list?
I'll eat crow...
FWIW, this crow tastes damn good.
Yeah
by IllinoisCubs on Dec 12, 2007 12:01 AM CST up reply actions
The Muskrat says the contract is only 4/48.
"Sources confirmed the contract Tuesday night, which would run through 2011, and was believed to be worth $48 million."
The whole thing can be found here...
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071211&content_id=2323241&vkey=news_chc&a mp;fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 11:51 PM CST reply actions
Sun-Times says...
saw this on yahoo sports as well.
by love the ivy on Dec 12, 2007 12:21 AM CST up reply actions
+1
Kinda unorthodox batting stance the bat sitting out in front - that's some power for not having the bat barrel back
by gmsnctry on Dec 11, 2007 11:59 PM CST reply actions
i'm just
remember when sosa had an arm? and was skinny? and moved?
videos
gunning a runner out at first from right field (i thought this was only possible in Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball for SNES): http://youtube.com/watch?v=fPPZjtu-eIA
Speed?
by gmsnctry on Dec 12, 2007 12:36 AM CST up reply actions
surgery
Surgery was on his right elbow, and...
No, he's right-handed...
That said, the surgery is to remove bone chips, so we don't know how much that will affect his arm.
good point
He will be...
Post
by 26.2cubfan on Dec 12, 2007 1:13 AM CST up reply actions
We have more info.
Also, Hendry feels like he's in a "position of strength" and still has all his prospects -- so expect Trader Jim to start getting busy, on Roberts or on something else.
Oh -- and Mariotti isn't exactly thrilled and would rather the Cubs had gotten "proven" Aaron Rowand. He doesn't dislike the deal enough to not slam the White Sox for not signing him, though. Why does he still get to write, again?
First Source Did Not Work...
I supposed we will need to wait for the press conference next week to see.
Get your X-mas gifts!
Welcome Fuku
from a baseball perspective its an OK move. I've been pushing for the Cubs to sign Fukudome for a while, but i was hoping for 3/30 as opposed to the 4/48 it looks like.
Fukudome can play CF so it provides some protection if Pie falters. This is a good thing and a bad thing as Pie will be on a shorter string than usual and this could end up retarding his development further by yanking him in and out of the lineup.
It also means Murton is relegated to 4th OF mode, which is frustrating given the fact he'll likely be a similar offensive player to Fukudome (low to mid .800's OPS guy), Murton likely could've given the Cubs 85% of the production for 1/100th the cost, but the Cubs dont think like that and they were fixated on the LH bat to place in the middle of the lineup
The signing costs us nothing other than money, which I DO like since for the first time we've made an acquisition truly without giving up anything (prospects/draft picks, etc).
And the move also allows us more flexibility in trying to trade for someone like Bedard or Roberts because the cupboard is still as full as its been in the past with regards to prospects.
The other news of course is this team is committed to Zambrano, Lilly, DLee, Aramis, Soriano, Fukudome with 10+ Million dollar contracts over the next 3 years
This core is largely just on the wrong end of 30, so it will be a race to win before their decline becomes too significant.
As currently constructed are the Cubs good enough to win a title with this core and assuming little financial flexibility to make more moves?
That's the question. I think we're still a #1 starter short of it, so Bedard might be the appropriate target, but if he comes at the cost of Rich Hill then I think we're still 1 pitcher short of being there
as i expect Hill to take a step forward this year (he was already one of the 15 best starters in the NL last year) and Lilly to take a slight step back (his early season control was a bit atypical of Ted)
we'll see how this all plays out, but the Cubs should be right there to contend along with the Brewers next year in the division
and heading into the season with contention in mind is always a nice change for a Cubs fan
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 12, 2007 8:44 AM CST reply actions
Clearly
We definitely shouldn't rely on cheaper options like Sean Gallagher or the guy who pitched in the rotation more than half of last year, Sean Marshall.
by IllinoisCubs on Dec 12, 2007 8:51 PM CST up reply actions
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