Fukudome in NY Times

by MolineCubsFan on Feb 12, 2008 10:26 AM CST

Since I have not seen it mentioned on BCB, I thought everyone would like to know that the New York Times has an article about Fukudome in their Sports section today.

I'm not the most technical guy, so if someone can post a link to the story, that would be helpful.

Thanks.

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 read this today

Great article. It appears he is not lacking baseball smarts------which on this team and with these (us) fans is important.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Feb 12, 2008 10:26 AM CST reply actions

Here is...

...the link.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Feb 12, 2008 10:31 AM CST reply actions

Interesting Read

Man, I hope he comes through for us...

by JohnMan on Feb 12, 2008 10:47 AM CST reply actions

nice article

He sounds like an even-tempered dude. I forgot that he is 31 years old. Oh well. Maybe they'll win it all this year.

"These are terrible times, and I shouldn't joke about them." --Warren Zevon

by ExNorthsider on Feb 12, 2008 10:58 AM CST reply actions

Thanks for posting this.

I don't read the NY Times much, but that was a very well-done piece. Kind of surprising that he is being written about in New York before his first Spring Training has even started. I guess once in a while, the East Coast media does actually look elsewhere for a story.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Feb 12, 2008 11:03 AM CST reply actions

I have to

say this. I have been very leary of this signing. Due to all the hype as well as the unknown of how this will play out with his new league.

As time is rolling forward, I am slowly converting to the thought that this just might work out for the Cubs. This article is another reason I am changing my tune some. Just another reason to get even more excited about this upcoming season. Only one more thing can really make me happy.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Feb 12, 2008 12:11 PM CST reply actions

I think...

... what Fukudome brings to the Cubs, beyond his baseball abilities, is the Japanese approach to the game, far more analytical and methodical than many from the US or the Caribbean play it.

I hope some of that rubs off. I think it did for the Mariners the first year they had Ichiro; they improved by 25 wins. Now, I don't expect that for the 2008 Cubs, but I do expect them to be an improved team.

Shameless plug: I wrote a more detailed article about this very topic in Wrigley Season Ticket 2008. If you don't have yours yet, get one now by clicking the ad on the left sidebar.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 12, 2008 1:05 PM CST reply actions

I'll guarantee....

...Fukudome will set the bar in regards to; throwing to the right base, not missing the cutoff man, being a smart baserunner and making the pitcher work.

All these things have been lacking (in general) with the Cubs for many years, and I would imagine caused Lou some sleepless nights.

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

by MPH73 on Feb 12, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe more

fundamental and methodical, but not more analytic.

In Japanese ball, a lead-off walk or single is followed by a sacrifice bunt. Almost automatic. (Gaijin players are about the only exception.) On top of that, a pitcher on a 2-2 count pretty much never throws a strike.

Oh, and I don't really see the point of the 1000 fungo drill.

There are good things about Japanese baseball, but so much of strategy is tradition-bound and unquestioned. It's not a good style of play. This is why American managers are having so much success over there, as long as they are willing to make some compromises to tradition. It's also why so many young Japanese baseball fans prefer MLB to NPB. More exciting, more unpredictable.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh Timmers on Feb 12, 2008 4:54 PM CST up reply actions

I wasn't suggesting...

... that the Cubs start playing that style of ball. What I was suggesting was that Fukudome's disciplined approach, emphasizing fundamentals, can only help him succeed in MLB, and hopefully, watching him play that way will rub off on his teammates.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 12, 2008 5:45 PM CST up reply actions

Right on Al....

...and I can assure you, there is nothing boring about playing good fundemental baseball. That is, unless winning is boring.

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

by MPH73 on Feb 12, 2008 5:50 PM CST up reply actions

Fukudome jersey question?

i really want to purchase a Fukudome jersey and they are starting to pop up on ebay. my question is is he going to have his first or last name on the back of the jersey? in the picture in the article of the press conference he has his last name on the back. i remember reading on here that he was going to go with his first name. can anyone confirm either way? thanks, hoppy

*diehard cubs fan from northern manitoba, canada

by hoppy91 on Feb 12, 2008 7:21 PM CST reply actions