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Fukudome a Cub!!!!

Tiny by cubsnlinux on

According 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, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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WGN news
confirmed after the Bulls game.

by NDCub on Dec 11, 2007 9:46 PM CST   0 recs

just reported...
on the intro to the wgn 10 pm news

by numike on Dec 11, 2007 9:46 PM CST   0 recs

Excellent.
Now let's move on with our lives.

by mrmaroon25 on Dec 11, 2007 9:47 PM CST   0 recs

Reporting that is is...
for 4 years/ around 50 million, maybe a little more.

Welcome Fukudome!!

by cubswin14 on Dec 11, 2007 9:47 PM CST   0 recs

Any info on the contract?
Great news just heard during the Bulls game good job Hendry.
A good day for me is a cubs win and a sox loss.

by diehardmark on Dec 11, 2007 9:47 PM CST   0 recs

there's already a diary about this.
 For the record BCB, I broke this damn story!

 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.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. ` Adam Savage Mythbusters

by lemon20pie on Dec 11, 2007 9:50 PM CST   0 recs

actually no I didn't.....hehe
 My bawd. They're everywhere.
I reject your reality and substitute my own. ` Adam Savage Mythbusters

by lemon20pie on Dec 11, 2007 9:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

This was bound to happen...
...and I think everyone will be understanding given the general euphoria.

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.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 9:54 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You're assuming
ESPN would give any SportsCenter coverage to a Japanese player not going to the Red Sox.
I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Dec 11, 2007 9:58 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

So true akcubfan..
....to this day I've never heard Fukudome's name on ESPN in all their "hot stove" BS. Like you said, if the Yankees or the Red Sox were going after him, we would've gotten the fukudome beaten out of with all the babble. Who cares though really....We got FUkudome.
I reject your reality and substitute my own. ` Adam Savage Mythbusters

by lemon20pie on Dec 11, 2007 10:04 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I did once
But it was during the winter meetings, it only lasted for about two seconds and I missed everything that was said because my ears were bleeding due to 30 min straight about Johan Santana.  I only realized it was The Dome because he was left handed.  

Anyway, hooray for us! Now get Bedard because I'm greedy.

by TheHawk5 on Dec 11, 2007 11:57 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Right now...
...they're talking about Bobby Petrino resigning from the Falcons. We'll see how long it takes them to mention it.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 10:04 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Apparently LeBron is hurt.
Now I remember why I dislike winter so much when the Bears are out of it.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 10:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I should mention...
...it's been on the crawl at least once now.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 10:14 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

And now...
...the big news on the four-letter is that the Patriots are undefeated. And they apparently pass the ball a lot.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 10:31 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

HAHA
 WHen I started mine, there wasn't one up and all I did was put in the title and a bunch of letters to meet the minimun and edit it later, because I wanted to be cool and be the first one to spread the good news to BCB, but alas, my efforts were not good enough.
I reject your reality and substitute my own. ` Adam Savage Mythbusters

by lemon20pie on Dec 11, 2007 10:01 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

actually, i broke the story
I posted this in the Fukudome thread by Al from this morning...

haha I'm so excited!

by Rezze21 on Dec 11, 2007 10:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Everyone,
Start bitching about how there are 5 diaries on this.

Ready, set, Go!!!

On a baseball note, hopefully the off-season plan will start rolling now.

Is it baseball season yet?

by cubbyblue137 on Dec 11, 2007 9:51 PM CST   0 recs

ESPN...
...has this as well.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 9:51 PM CST   0 recs

Who's gonna break this to the
wonderful Padre fans over at Gaslamp?
I reject your reality and substitute my own. ` Adam Savage Mythbusters

by lemon20pie on Dec 11, 2007 9:56 PM CST   0 recs

My suggestion for the title of the Diary...
...."Fukudome says Fuku to the Padres"

Man, I really didn't need another reason to drink more wine tonight, but I got one.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. ` Adam Savage Mythbusters

by lemon20pie on Dec 11, 2007 10:06 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'll crack open another Labett....
...in honor of our man.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 11, 2007 11:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

usual mantra
"damn teams with money"

"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 to parent up   0 recs

Great News.
Way to go, Jim Hendry!!  
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Dec 11, 2007 10:00 PM CST   0 recs

In Yen
66 Billion!

Pay the man.  Banzai!

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Dec 11, 2007 10:01 PM CST   0 recs

Start Prepping
I can't wait to get in the right field bleachers and starting showing off my skills from "Rosetta Stone: Japanese" that I JUST added to my xmas list!

FUKUDOME!!!!!!

by chuccck on Dec 11, 2007 10:01 PM CST   0 recs

Fuky is coming!!!! Fuky is coming!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:04 PM CST   0 recs

I don't want to claim responsibility for this...
but the wife and I did dine at a Japanese steakhouse tonight.  And I was wearing my Cubs hat, jacket, and 2007 NL Central Division champs shirt.  

by rgonzale on Dec 11, 2007 10:07 PM CST   0 recs

Fukudome
Great news! I think I have to get that jersey now...

by 10 14 23 26 on Dec 11, 2007 10:07 PM CST   0 recs

Kohsuke with his new team's mascot!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:12 PM CST   0 recs

This picture
Along with the other are not funny and are offensive.

by okiecubbie on Dec 11, 2007 10:23 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

No posting pictures of the player
the cubs just signed?  How does that make sense.  In what way are you offended by a picture of Fukudome swinging a bat or standing with a bear?
I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Dec 11, 2007 10:30 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

maybe the poster is a bear....?
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Dec 11, 2007 10:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Don't any of you watch the Colbert Report?
Bears are ruining America.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 10:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

lol!
Bears are godless killing machines. Luckily, Cubs are not :-)
Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 10:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

True.
if a bear can steal a picnic basket there is also a chance it can be a fan of Japanese baseball.
I survived VWR 2007

by akcubfan on Dec 11, 2007 10:35 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Or swinging a bat and hitting a bear....
or a bear swinging a bat...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

If the picture is him
If this is a picture is of Kosuke, then I have no problem with it. I was under the impression (and still am not at all sure this is him although I have limited pictures to compare this to) that this picture was not him and was much like the picture above of the child with the "victoly" caption which is clearly making fun of a Japanese accent in English.

by okiecubbie on Dec 11, 2007 10:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ok..I must apologize for the pic of the child...
I have to admit that it's not really Kosuke. Sorry.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 11, 2007 10:52 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Not a problem
Just have to keep everyone in mind. No hard feelings at all.

by okiecubbie on Dec 11, 2007 10:56 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Tell me why exactly he should apologize?
What did he do that offended you or could have offended "anyone"?
GREAT SUCCESS!!!

by Chitown Mojo on Dec 12, 2007 9:02 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Just because you asked
The picture is not of Kosuke. It is of a random Japanese man with a bear. Had it been Kosuke I would have no problem with it. However, it is not him and if you need me to explain the offensiveness more I will do so outside of the main thread.

by okiecubbie on Dec 12, 2007 11:14 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Um...you totally missed the humor in my post...
The guy with the bear IS Fukudome...I was apologizing for the child on the toilet picture. That one, sadly, isn't Fukudome.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 12, 2007 11:32 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ok
Misunderstood you in your previous post. Question though. Why is Fukodome at some random circus with a bear and how did you find this one?

by okiecubbie on Dec 12, 2007 11:56 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

He's a frickin' sports star....
he probably makes "apperances" all over japan (where some people are known to have cameras!). But my ultra secret source for this particular photo is....his own website. SHHHHHHH!

http://www.fukudome1.com/gallery/diary/diary_photo.html

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 12, 2007 12:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Did you just make a joke
about japanese and cameras?
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...

GREAT SUCCESS!!!

by Chitown Mojo on Dec 12, 2007 12:56 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yes...I made a joke...
but I did NOT put pee-pee in....nevermind.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 12, 2007 12:57 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

haha
this caused me to laugh out loud, so thanks.  finally, sarcasm that can be translated through the internet.
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 12, 2007 1:17 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

OK, I'm sorry but I do need to ask more...
There's probably something I don't know about here and I'd love to hear it.
Is it so bad that it can't be discussed here?
GREAT SUCCESS!!!

by Chitown Mojo on Dec 12, 2007 12:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

aboslutely
hysterical, lmao
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 11, 2007 11:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

So our corner outfielders are set.
Does this mean we go with Pie in CF?  Can Sam Fuld play center, or is he strictly a corner outfielder?  It seems like we have options at least.  Two out of three outfield spots being set is pretty good.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Dec 11, 2007 10:13 PM CST   0 recs

Both Will Compete
... Fuld is said to be more polished, Pie has more raw talent.
This is who I think the Cubs #1 should be...

by initram on Dec 11, 2007 10:47 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I want to keep Pie...
...REALLY REALLY BAD.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 11, 2007 11:17 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Absolutely
I think the underpinnings of a Fukudome signing, along with a Roberts signing, is that Pie can hide a bit batting 8th and getting comfortable.

Maybe better stated: Piniella will have a little more patience to allow Pie to develop - what better way than batting in the 8th hole?

This is who I think the Cubs #1 should be...

by initram on Dec 11, 2007 11:30 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

A good team last year
just got a little better. I've been reading the speculation for weeks now and I'm happy to see Fukudome signed. And yes, let the speculation begin...who to play in Center...I'm just thrilled that DeRo and Ward won't have to play that much in Right next year. I'm wearing my NL Central Champs shirt tomorrow.

by montanacubby on Dec 11, 2007 10:23 PM CST   0 recs

Wet Blanket
Not to be a wet blanket, but this is yet another of the Cubs "half-assed" fixes to a problem.   Instead of going out and getting a real difference maker, the Cubs went out and spent a lot of money to sign a player that is, at best, a marginal improvement NEXT year over a much younger and cheaper player in the Cub system and who, due to his age, is very likely to be a step downward in years 2-4 of the deal.   And it takes away the money from signing a "real" difference maker.  

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 to parent up   0 recs

good one
"half-assed"??

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.

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 12, 2007 10:33 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

F Bomb?
Wilkerson is 30.   Fukudome is also 30.  Wilkerson has put his numbers up in the Major Leagues.  Fukudome has put his numbers up in the Japanese leagues which are not of the same quality.   The numbers that you listed for Fukudome were from the 2006 season.  He was hurt and missed a part of the 2007 season.  

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 to parent up   0 recs

Wow
Have you really gotten so obsessed with being "frustrated" with the Cubs that you have to pull illogical arguments out of your ass to criticize improvements to the team?
Fukudome is my homie

by Porfi on Dec 12, 2007 3:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Excellent news
do we think this basically kills any chance for the Roberts deal?  

by DC Cubbie on Dec 11, 2007 10:24 PM CST   0 recs

Hope not
I think the Cubs need to make that move if possible. Lets not dump the whole farm system, I would offer Veal, E. Pat, and one other minor league player.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Dec 11, 2007 10:30 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Roberts
I'm guessing it will depend on a number of things.  How much money does Jim Hendry have left in the budget after the Fukudome signing?  Will the Orioles send Roberts to another team with Bedard and/or Tejada?  If they don't, will the Orioles be satisfied with whomever Jim Hendry offers?  I'm pessimistic but hopeful about the Cubs chances because there are a host of factors that could keep Roberts from coming to Chicago.  I do not, however, believe that the Fukudome signing is likely to be the only impediment.

by Copter OBob on Dec 11, 2007 10:38 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Hendry Has Plenty of Money
If payroll goes to $125M, we're looking at him having another $15M, right?

One argued that if he pressed it, it could go to $135M.

The money will be there.

This is who I think the Cubs #1 should be...

by initram on Dec 11, 2007 10:48 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Money
I don't know if money is an issue or not but it could become one in the future if Hendry doesn't spend wisely!  135 isn't horrid especially for 81 sellouts a year and possibly more TV revenue?  if the trib doesn't own the team and the TV venue.
"You would never guess that a little innocent walk like that could lead to two runs" -- Dusty Baker

by KyCubsFan on Dec 11, 2007 11:59 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

i want to dedicate this to fukudome...
"hes a maniac! maniac on the field
 and plays like hes never played before..."

by xene on Dec 11, 2007 10:24 PM CST   0 recs

Goodness
what a good move, now he needs to perform. What type of numbers would satisfy everyone?
 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   0 recs

How do you get the pics on here?
What hosting service do you guys use?
"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager

by Galvan316 on Dec 11, 2007 10:35 PM CST   0 recs

F-Bomb!
From NSBB:

PERRY!!!!

by Goat Whisperer on Dec 11, 2007 10:36 PM CST   0 recs

670 The Score is reporting....
the Cubs are now going to be focusing on Brian Roberts and ERIK BEDARD. A package that will be put together has to include, says 670, at least two pitchers, one of whom needs to be Rich Hill; they seem to covet him. They also are reporting that the Cubs are worried about the "real" possibility that Roberts could end up on "the list".

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.

by louslovechild on Dec 11, 2007 10:39 PM CST   0 recs

Please, please, PLEASE...
...don't trade Rich Hill. That is all.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 10:46 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Amen!
Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Dec 11, 2007 10:54 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Seems a bit like cheating...
...knowing our old leader is over in Baltimore, doesn't it?  I'll take Roberts or Bedard, but not for THE ENTIRE BANK.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 11, 2007 11:02 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Hill and Soto are the ONLY two guys...
...I would (and this is just my humble opinion) deem untouchable in a Bedard trade. Everyone else would conceivably be on the boards.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Dec 11, 2007 11:04 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Agreed...
Those are commodities we shouldn't be considering trading.

by SouthernCub on Dec 11, 2007 11:07 PM CST