Kosuke Fukodome Almost Certain

by Lou In Blue on Dec 4, 2007 7:58 PM CST

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times is saying that Fukodome in Chicago is "almost certain." I really hope this is accurate! I don't know much about Geoff Baker, but if anyone would care to comment on perhaps his record when it comes to calling FACTUAL rumors i'm all ears. Keep a watch, hopefully this happens soon.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/cubs-rumors-fuk.html

Sorry if you don't feel this is diary worthy...just a bit excited.

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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I hope

but I do not know this fellow.

THIS ISN'T DIARY WORTHY EITHER!!!!

I kid.

MMMMM...Golden shrimp and chicken combo from Ron of Japan!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 4, 2007 7:57 PM CST reply actions

Can

someone tell me why everyone is so excited to sign a guy that in all likelyhood will do something like .270/.350 with 15-20HR? He's going to be a left-handed Matt Murton and people are talking like they'll just hand over the NL crown if we get him. To me, he's a marginal upgrade that will cost 10-15 mil a year.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Dec 4, 2007 7:58 PM CST reply actions

Left-handed Matt Murton

Because the cubs could use a left-handed Matt Murton?

Ok, sure- this isn't exactly getting Babe Ruth, but for our needs, Fukodome seems like the best fit for $$ expended.

by sammyssosasboombox on Dec 4, 2007 8:08 PM CST up reply actions

Well Tomas...

he's a plus defender, with base stealing abilities and legitimate .400 OBP potential. That's an extremely attractive tablesetter. And a lot better than Murton, IMO.

And personally, I haven't seen anyone THAT high over him.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 4, 2007 8:10 PM CST up reply actions

he

has a career OBP of .397 in Japan, so to think that age 31 he's going to come to the MLB and exceed that is wishful thinking. Matsui dropped .050 from his career OBP in Japan, so I think an estimate of .30 OBP for Fukudome is reasonable. .400 is not reasonable.

And he has a career high of 13 SB, again in Japan, so he's not likely to be a stolen base threat here.

His fielding will be an upgrade over Murton, but I don't see him being an upgrade over Murton at the plate. 10-15 mil a year for a defensive upgrade seems steep to me.

Not sure about you, but a lot of others are just about gushing at the thought of signing him. GMs seem to be in the mood to trade, and the Cubs have a surplus of starting pitching, which is gold. IMO, Hendry should be trading the Marshalls of the world for a RFer already under contract, rather than get in a bidding war for what projects to be a fairly average, over 30, unproven Japanese import.

Just sayin.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Dec 4, 2007 8:20 PM CST up reply actions

Well...

I haven't seen anything to suggest a bidding war. I've heard the Cubs, and two or three other team that would be described as serious. San Diego has made an offer, but seriously? Sandy just last year railed on the Cubs about the "wild" cash they were spending. Now he's going to get into a bidding war? And with them? I don't see it. Especially if Peavy takes all his cash with this extension. Anyway, I just don't see it.

And the Cubs have alot more cash than assets, especially after the ticket price increases. Personally, I think they'd do well to stick with the FA front first, especially when it comes to dealing pitchers.

Just sayin.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 4, 2007 8:27 PM CST up reply actions

Well for the last three years

He was .438, .434, .440.

by IllinoisCubs on Dec 4, 2007 9:07 PM CST up reply actions

Base stealing capabilities?

The guy has a career high in SB of 13. He's not a base stealer.

by SouthernCub on Dec 4, 2007 10:29 PM CST up reply actions

Plus defender?

I know this has been stated many times, but it's not logical. Fukudome played SS coming up and was so bad they moved him to 3rd base. He was so bad there they converted him to the outfield where he was pretty bad the first couple years before figuring the position out.

To believe that Fukudome is a plus defender you have to believe that it's possible for Ryan Braun to move to the outfield and be above average. That's not going to happen. Ryan Braun will be bad to below average regardless of where he plays. I expect the same is true of Fukudome, but his Soriano-like arm makes up for some of his defensive misplays.

I think fans are going to be as disappointed in Fukudome as they were in Kaz Matsui. Don't get me wrong. Fukudome will be better than Kaz, but he comes with greater expectations that have no chance of ever being met. He's a .280/.350/.450 hitter. Murton can do that for league minimum and if you know me...you know I can't stand Matt Murton.

by Maddog on Dec 4, 2007 10:36 PM CST up reply actions

Maddog...

Every MSM and scouting report I've seen reads the same. Strong arm. Athletic fielder. Good routes to the ball. Trey Hillman actually came out with something yesterday that gave a detailed professional opinion on his skills. If you've got a different take though, I'd like to hear the expanded version. If you don't mind.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 4, 2007 11:15 PM CST up reply actions

I've never seen him play and

I've never seen any reliable stats to come to any conclusions on his defense. I just find it hard to believe that a guy who was as bad as he was at 3rd base is this excellent defender that these scouting reports imply he is. Think about it this way...would Ryan Braun ever be an excellent outfielder? Would Aramis Ramirez ever be an excellent outfielder?

There are always exceptions to the rule and perhaps Fukudome is one of them. I hope so because a lot of his value above what we could get out of Matt Murton is going to come from his defense.

by Maddog on Dec 5, 2007 8:24 AM CST up reply actions

how ridiculous

i mean it is making me laugh out loud how illogical it is to say in reference to fukudome, "could ryan braun be a plus defender? could aramis ramirez be a plus defender?"

well maybe if they had more speed and athleticism, sure they could be. we are talking about big, thick third basemen here, not wiry, speedy japanese players.

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 Dec 5, 2007 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

Of course it makes you laugh.

You're incapable of understanding. If Fukudome was so athletic, how is that this athletic player has never stolen more than 11 bases in a season? Ryan Braun stole 15 in 4 months in his rookie season. Or maybe you haven't bothered to look around at the various scouting reports who indicate he has below average speed. Or maybe you just prefer to act as though you know what you don't. Either way, laugh all you want. The joke is on you, my friend.

by Maddog on Dec 7, 2007 10:07 PM CST up reply actions

I too

get nervous about signing Fukudome. It's rolling the dice with something that is unproven.

It's a risk that I hope pans out to our advantage.

THE FONZ HAS ARRIVED!

by amaru on Dec 4, 2007 8:10 PM CST up reply actions

Every FA signing is a roll of the dice

I mean, look how Julio Lugo turned out for the Red Sox compared to Mark DeRosa for the Cubs - and I bet a lot of fans wished at the time we had gotten Lugo instead of DeRosa.

I have a good deal of faith in Jim Hendry's scouts. They seem to know what they are doing. This "Fukudome is a left-handed Murton" line, which I have used myself, is, if we're being honest, a lot closer to his downside than his upside.

There are a lot more free agents that I would see as being a lot more risky than Fukudome.

by DGU on Dec 4, 2007 8:17 PM CST up reply actions

Left handed Matt Murton?

Murton isn't half the player this guy appears to be.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Dec 4, 2007 9:44 PM CST up reply actions

Imagine if Murton

played the next 6 seasons in AAA. What do you think his numbers would look like? I'd guess they'd look exactly like Fukudome's.

by Maddog on Dec 4, 2007 10:37 PM CST up reply actions

That's a reach

I want us to sign Fukudome 100%, but Murton is a talented guy. I think Fukudome can offer more and we need a back-up CF.

The Right-handed lineup will look something like:

Soriano
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
DeRosa
Soto
Theriot
Pie

Left handed lineup

Soriano
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Murton
Soto
DeRosa
Theriot

I expect lots of more move to happen, but if we sign Fukudome and that's it, Murton will be vaulable to this team.

by IllinoisCubs on Dec 4, 2007 10:59 PM CST up reply actions

I saw this too...

here's to hoping. we'll see what happens when 'official'. I for one really didn't see the Tigers walking away wtih Both Willis and Cabrera.
sooo....I'll feel better when official

by LuisSalazar on Dec 4, 2007 8:01 PM CST reply actions

"Chicago"...

...means the Cubs, not those South Side guys...

by initram on Dec 4, 2007 8:05 PM CST reply actions

Wait

You mean this isn't the South Side Sox site??? Oops!

Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Dec 4, 2007 8:09 PM CST up reply actions

South Side Sox Swallow Small Ones

Cause thats all they got! lol

PIE!!!

by LilLPLancer23 on Dec 4, 2007 9:01 PM CST up reply actions

Hype

I agree it's an awful lot of hype for a little better then average stats in JAPAN! Let's be honest though. His athleticsm alone will make him twice the player Murton will ever be. Sorry for all you with crushes on the red head. I'm all for upgrading everywhere and Fukodome hopefully is a big one. Just ask Kenny Williams about "almost certain signings" though.

by Comfortably Numb on Dec 4, 2007 8:08 PM CST reply actions

Agreed

I think it's a well known fact, Fukodome is the best available left handed hitting outfielder available. A great piece to the puzzle IMO.

Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Dec 4, 2007 8:14 PM CST up reply actions

and...

we need to prove to japanese players that it is great to play in chicago. i gotta question-- does d. lee's dad still work for the cubs and what position did he hold in japan? i was wandering if he would be any help in getting fuku to play for us.

GO CUBS GO!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 4, 2007 8:13 PM CST reply actions

No

Leon Lee left the Cubs to manage in the minors for not another organization. He had a run-in with the law over an indecent exposure situation, though I'm not sure how that situation was resolved.

Steve Wilson is the Cubs main guy in the pacific rim.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 4, 2007 8:19 PM CST up reply actions

It has not been often

in my lifetime that the Cubs have signed acknowledged upper-tier players.

This is why people are excited.

If you read the Royals manager's opinion, who stated in five years FUKU was the best hitter he saw (see Cubs.com) - that's why people are excited.

If you follow baseball and understand the importance of OBP, THIS is reason for excitement.

If you have SEEN Japanese baseball (World Cup Champs) and look at their SOLID fundamental play - this can only RUB OFF. Reason for excitement #5.

Did you see the pathetic attempts at moving runners along? Hitting cut-off men? Bunting?

If he becomes a Cub, he WILL make the Cubs a better team - maybe 3-5 more wins? Who knows...

But there is NO other FA out there like him.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 4, 2007 8:32 PM CST reply actions

Amendment/correction

The Royals manager, former Japanese league manager, said he was the 2nd best hitter he saw.

Trey Hillman, Nippon Ham Fighters:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317507&vkey=news_chc&a mp;fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 4, 2007 8:35 PM CST reply actions

Hillman Says...

... this guy can easily play center field in Wrigley.

And, that he likely will come to the Cubs.

This guy is the Royals new manager, right? He was also a manager in Japan?

by initram on Dec 4, 2007 8:35 PM CST reply actions

Another good point...

We should also remember, Fukudome is considered a good enough defender to play CF, too.

What does that mean?

Well, if Pie struggles against LHP, we could always use Fukudome in CF when we face a LHP, and play Murton in RF. (Making a virtual Pie/Murton platoon, but not in the same position).

Not a bad option, if you ask me.

Then again, I'd still like us to add a top tier pitcher to push Z, and one who is preferably a RHP (isn't it weird that we have 3 decent/good LHP options?)

by Chadnudj on Dec 4, 2007 8:45 PM CST reply actions

I sure

hope we land someone, and if its him, I'll be happy. However, one thing that I think people are over-looking is the culture shock. What makes us say he can adjust to the US. Thats a HUGE step. And please, don't bring up the fact he had surgery here in the US. Thats a far cry from living here. Look at Boston and Dice-K last year. That guy was supposed to be a Cy Young contender, he was mediocre. Yes, he's obviously a good ballplayer, but this fact makes me think.

I would not fight Jason Kendall.

by TCobb1911 on Dec 4, 2007 10:36 PM CST reply actions

Ummmm....

Many many other Japanese players have done just fine. Dice-K was hyped out of control because you had to pay $50 million just to talk to him. History has shown that the hitters adjust better than the pitchers. I don't think the culture shock will be a big deal, although perhaps that's why they went after Matsui.

by IllinoisCubs on Dec 4, 2007 10:50 PM CST up reply actions

Ummm....

There really haven't been "many" Japanese players in the MLB. Dice-K was hyped BEFORE they had the bidding war. And I don't think its a matter of adjusting between pitchers and hitters, rather than the amount of great hitters in the USA are far away more than in Japan, thus making mediocre pitching better in Japan. Maybe it won't be a factor. But I think its something to think about. You can't tell me its going to be an easy transformation.

I would not fight Jason Kendall.

by TCobb1911 on Dec 4, 2007 11:08 PM CST reply actions

On that note

you're right when you look at Matsui of the NYY and Ichiro.

I would not fight Jason Kendall.

by TCobb1911 on Dec 4, 2007 11:22 PM CST up reply actions

To be fair...

Each Japanese position player has had a marked dip in their FIRST year of play in the U.S., when compared to their former Japanese clubs.

This is fact. OPS, OBP, HR's RBI, and AV (except for an isolated player) have diminished in the transition year...

FWIW

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 4, 2007 11:31 PM CST reply actions

But, again

if I had a knife at my throat and was picking between Teahen, Brad Wilkerson, Geoff Jenkins, MAtt Murton or K-Fuk, I'd pick K-Fuk.

Its been said before, but it APPEARS as if FUKU is a LH Murton with Better D.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 4, 2007 11:34 PM CST reply actions

There's a reason

the only place this can be found is on a blog from the Seattle Times.

The guy was just talking off the top of his head about why the Mariners would likely not be able to unload Raul Ibanez to the Cubs and get something decent in return.

He was lamenting, connecting the dots that the Cubs were the frontrunners for Fukudome and therefore likely wouldn't need Ibanez.

I wouldn't read too much into this. From everything I read, the Fukudome stakes are just getting warmed up unless the Cubs make an outrageous offer like they did with Soriano.

"It's a long fly to left field. And there it goes. Ahhh crap." -- Harry Caray

by cubz1963 on Dec 5, 2007 1:24 AM CST reply actions