It's Pronounced "koh-skay foo-koo-DOUGH-may"

thanks to BCB reader initram for the rendering; it's generally accepted that he'll ask for his Cub jersey to look like this, instead of with his last name. I think you can figure out the reason!
The title of this post is something you should read and practice a few times; that's the generally accepted pronunciation of the Cubs' new right fielder, signed last night to a four-year, $48 million contract.
I'm very, very happy. This is exactly the kind of player the Cubs have needed for a long time -- a plus defensive outfielder with a good batting eye who could put up a .390 OBA (maybe in the #2 batting order slot), have midrange power and hit in the .290-.300 area. The money isn't unreasonable in today's market and neither is the length of the deal.
Linkage: Bruce Miles, Daily Herald. Gordon Wittenmyer, Sun-Times. Paul Sullivan, Tribune. No fewer than six BCB diaries on this and related topics. Oh, and the Padres fans still hate us, even more after this signing.
Here is an excellent wiki-style entry on Fukudome from Dan Lewis at Armchair GM; it has an extensive history of Fukudome's career, including many links and eight embedded video clips.
I may have to get myself one of those jerseys myownself. Word is the Cubs are still in the Brian Roberts derby -- if they got him, we could all relax, enjoy the holidays, and get excited about spring training and the 2008 season. Let's try to keep the discussion today in this thread; I'll update it later today if/when a news conference day and time is announced.
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Definitely
Go Cubs!
by JohnM on Dec 12, 2007 4:25 AM CST 0 recs
Actually Al
When a U is in the middle of a word in Japanese, it is generally dropped in spoken Japanese.
It should be "Koh-skay." Just like Daisuke is pronounced "Dice-K" (Although actually that should be Di-skay)
Baseball Prospectus subscribers can check Mike Plugh of "Matsuzaka Watch" fame writing about him last July. He gives the correct pronunciation as what I wrote. You have Fukudome correct.
I don't speak Japanese, except that I have to admit a few years ago I watched a ton of anime and picked some stuff up.
by Josh77 on Dec 12, 2007 4:40 AM CST 0 recs
Thanks for this.
by Al on
Dec 12, 2007 4:45 AM CST
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Cannot wait...
by wccubfan on
Dec 12, 2007 3:34 PM CST
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re: Cannot wait...
by dat cubfan daver on
Dec 12, 2007 3:40 PM CST
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I was wondering about that
by JohnM on
Dec 12, 2007 5:08 AM CST
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Also
by Josh77 on Dec 12, 2007 4:43 AM CST 0 recs
and who can forget Lance Johnson...
by JB 23 on
Dec 12, 2007 6:31 AM CST
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One-Dog!!!
by lostinthevines on
Dec 12, 2007 7:59 AM CST
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Cubs who wore #1
Woody English(1932-36)
Charlie Grimm (m) (1937-38)
Jimmy Wilson (m) (1941-42)
Bill Serena (1954)
Jim Fanning (1955-57)
Richie Ashburn (1960-61)
Mel Wright (c) (1971)
Jose Cardinal (1972-77)
Cookie Rojas (c & player) (1978-81)
Larry Bowa (1982-85)
Dave Martinez (1986-88, 2000)
Rick Wrona (1988-90)
Doug Strange (1991-92)
Tommy Shields(1993)
Doug Glanville (1996-97)
Lance Johnson (1997-99)
Augie Ojeda (2001-03)
Kenny Lofton (2003)
Jose Macias (2004-2005)
Tony Womack (2006)
reference:
All Time Chicago Cub Uniform Number List
http://ignarski.tripod.com/temprost.html
by flachimesa on
Dec 12, 2007 9:06 AM CST
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Your Welcome
Kasey
by kaseyi on
Dec 12, 2007 9:34 AM CST
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BTW, the auhor
by flachimesa on
Dec 12, 2007 9:40 AM CST
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What a list.
A couple of coaches and a manager.
A couple of players who had a decent year or so as a Cub (Martinez, Lofton, L. Johnson).
A cuddly teddy bear (Ojeda).
And a bunch of no-names.
Fukudome will change the perception of the uniform #1 the moment he first steps on the field.
by Al on
Dec 12, 2007 10:13 AM CST
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Ahhh...Jose Cardenal
by MN exile on
Dec 12, 2007 10:54 AM CST
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I saw Doug Glanville
by Whitebacon on
Dec 12, 2007 8:53 PM CST
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Jeez, I almost forgot
by Josh77 on Dec 12, 2007 4:44 AM CST 0 recs
Ah..... like we were gonna do something
by SackMan on
Dec 12, 2007 7:47 AM CST
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4:30? Sleep Much?
In any event, excitin news re Kosuke. This is already a good team, so every little piece extra we get helps.
by Orval Overall on Dec 12, 2007 5:11 AM CST 0 recs
LOL
by Al on
Dec 12, 2007 8:08 AM CST
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Wow. Very exciting news and I am
For one day, an off season victory that we can celebrate! Let's hope the Cubs keep on improving the team as we move towards Arizona baseball.
Is today the day they make a decision about Mark Prior's contract?
by LAcarl519 on Dec 12, 2007 5:39 AM CST 0 recs
Prior...
by Al on
Dec 12, 2007 8:49 AM CST
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should Prior
by elgato on
Dec 12, 2007 9:16 AM CST
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Oh this is very, very nice
by blackhawk24 on Dec 12, 2007 5:39 AM CST 0 recs
WELCOME TO THE FUKUDOME!!!!
Very excited about the signing. It shows that despite the impending sale and the uncertainty that comes with that, the front office is at least still trying to put the pieces in place.
I think I'll have sushi today to celebrate.
by AlabamaCubFan on Dec 12, 2007 5:49 AM CST 0 recs
Lineup so far for next season
Pie CF
Lee 1b
Fukudome RF
Ramirez 3b
Derosa 2b
Soto C
Theriot SS
and think of the possibilities if we get Roberts. This now makes a hand full of outfielders tradeable (aka Murton)
by Chanman25 on Dec 12, 2007 6:10 AM CST 0 recs
I think they'd switch Pie and Theriot...
Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
DeRosa
Soto
Pie
If we get Roberts, it'd probably be:
Soriano
Roberts
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
Soto
Theriot
Pie
by SouthernCub on
Dec 12, 2007 7:00 AM CST
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Can't we move Soriano to an RBI slot?
How about
Roberts
Pie (assuming he sticks)
Lee
Ramirez
Soriano
Fukudome
Soto
Theriot
Of course, the rotation is still shaky . . .
by Shanghai Badger on
Dec 12, 2007 7:23 AM CST
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Move Pie to the bottom until he hits
by SackMan on
Dec 12, 2007 7:47 AM CST
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Yep.
by lostinthevines on
Dec 12, 2007 8:12 AM CST
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ninth?
by elgato on
Dec 12, 2007 9:17 AM CST
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I'd bat Rick Allen above him
Lilly and Z can hit, and hopefully Hill can figure out how to at least hold the bat and maybe sell a fake bunt or something
by lostinthevines on
Dec 12, 2007 2:26 PM CST
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re: I'd bat Rick Allen above him
All we are saying
is give Felix a chance...
by dat cubfan daver on
Dec 12, 2007 2:58 PM CST
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how about
fukudome
lee
ramirez
soriano
derosa
pie
soto
by slocs55 on
Dec 12, 2007 8:18 AM CST
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I agree with slocs, but I'd swap Soto and Pie
by RightFieldSucks on
Dec 12, 2007 11:00 PM CST
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I wasn't saying what I'd do...
by SouthernCub on
Dec 12, 2007 8:24 AM CST
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I would like that
by MPH73 on
Dec 12, 2007 8:48 AM CST
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I agree about Pie . . . .
Last week's rumor about Figgins for CF was interesting -- too bad it didn't appear to have legs.
by Shanghai Badger on
Dec 12, 2007 9:12 AM CST
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Roberts Is Key...
With Roberts, Soriano will drop down in the order. No question about it. Piniella mentioned this.
That said, any thoughts on Lee batting 4th and Fukudome batting 3rd, or something like this?
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/comments/2007/12/11/23212/619/158#158
(with other commentary)
by initram on
Dec 12, 2007 9:43 AM CST
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Now let's get some pitching.......
by BeerCub on Dec 12, 2007 7:09 AM CST 0 recs
Maybe, maybe not
I've mentioned this before. Why not Bedard? Media says Cubs aren't intersted? Huh? This stemmed from someone's diary about a Tiger's-like mega-deal. Got me thinking; Roberts AND Bedard.
I posted more detail in another diary this morning on this topic. Now that Fukudome is "Coming to America", I'd absolutely love to see Jimbo pull-off this deal and make Lou very, very happy.
by blackhawk24 on
Dec 12, 2007 7:18 AM CST
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Amen brother
by Jayo525 on
Dec 12, 2007 9:32 AM CST
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Where Did You Hear This Interview?
DeRosa has stated that he will play whereever Piniella wanted him to play. He wants to stay a part of this team. He is living a dream... playing baseball for the best team on the planet -- the Chicago Cubs.
Now, as a business man, I am sure most players will say this about our team. Most of the time you can tell when a player is being genuine; I think DeRosa is genuine here.
One thing I heard on 670 was something I believe in: every team needs a (super-)sub. What team would have a better one if the Cubs could have DeRosa play this role? This should not be considered a bad thing, but rather a huge compliment. DeRosa is versatile enough that he can do it -- and this was one of the main reasons why he was signed last year.
by initram on
Dec 12, 2007 9:47 AM CST
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re: Where Did You Hear This Interview?
by dat cubfan daver on
Dec 12, 2007 9:55 AM CST
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I heard it on ESPN,,,
by Jayo525 on
Dec 12, 2007 11:24 AM CST
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I didn't hear
That's his Ivy League education shining through. A carefully crafted statement. Translated: "I want to play second base but more importantly, I just want to play. If they want me to play somewhere else, that's OK."
by Josh77 on
Dec 12, 2007 1:22 PM CST
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So you think...
by Jayo525 on
Dec 12, 2007 11:37 AM CST
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I'm very excited about this.
"FUKUDOME!"
by Cool Hand on Dec 12, 2007 7:26 AM CST 0 recs
Got Him!!!!!
by Ihatethecards on Dec 12, 2007 7:33 AM CST 0 recs
Happy they got him, but . . .
by Shanghai Badger on
Dec 12, 2007 7:41 AM CST
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Yeah right
by rlpete on
Dec 12, 2007 9:31 AM CST
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I don't think I was bashing Hendry
I don't think that I've ever bashed Hendry on this site (I have on the Trib), but since you asked,
Rusch, Marquis, a trio of Perez, Enrique Wilson and Macias at the same time (!), going after Matsui, Maddux for Izturis, Kendall . . .
Yes, Hendry's made some good acquisitions, but by and large after the 2003-2004 offseason, he's become fixated with mediocre players or players who are past their prime -- or both.
by Shanghai Badger on
Dec 12, 2007 9:46 AM CST
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I'm not a big Hendry defender
- Lilly was a lot better signing than Zito or Schmidt who many people wanted.
- Walker for Ceda and Bynum for Hart were pretty good dumps for cheap prospects that look pretty good.
- Rusch wasn't a bad pitcher for 2 of his 3 years in Chicago. In fact, in 2004 you could say he was good with an ERA+ of 124 and a 6-2 record as a swing man including 16 starts.
- Maddux for Izturis to me is a non-issue. He wasn't going to get Kemp or Ethier in that deal. Maybe he could have gotten a better prospect but I don't know what the offers were. The Dodgers seem to value their better prospects and don't seem to trade them.
- Kendall gave the Cubs want they expected. His defense was poor but offensively .270/.362/.356 was about what you would expect. He didn't cost them much. It's not like there are many catchers available midseason. I don't think anyone could have predicted the complete Barrett meltdown after the 2006 season he had.
- He has resigned the Cubs free agents that he wanted. Ramirez' deal especially appeared to be below market.
- To some extent I think he was hampered by the tight Tribune purse strings. They seemed to open them up last year.
by rlpete on
Dec 12, 2007 10:18 AM CST
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Fair enough
Rusch had a great 2004, but he was always a journeyman, and giving him 2 years (or Perez) was not necessary. Same for 3 years for Jones.
Not sure that I agree about the Trib's purse strings -- a lot of teams during the last 25 years won more games with lower payrolls. They spent money -- just not correctly.
Hendry probably isn't the total idiot that some make him out to be, but he's not the Branch Rickey that others like to think he is, either.
I'll give him this -- he appears to be listening to Piniella, who I think has had a MAJOR influence on the composition of the roster. And I'm glad KF is a Cub -- it's a potential high upside with relatively low risk.
OBP. Wow. What a concept! Now let's get a starter or two . . . .
by Shanghai Badger on
Dec 12, 2007 10:27 AM CST
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Cool comment in Sullivan's Trib article today
by blackhawk24 on Dec 12, 2007 7:45 AM CST 0 recs
Oh, if Harry was still around
by DTJchris on
Dec 12, 2007 7:53 AM CST
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Kosuke Fukudome spelled backwards is...
by Al on
Dec 12, 2007 8:07 AM CST
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I can hear it now
Eee-kooo....suck.
"Boy Steve, I sure hope that doesn't sound as bad as I think it does. Hey Arne, take a look at all those boats out there on the lake. What a great day at beautiful Wrigley Field. Two and oh on the handsome young Japanese right fielder, runner on 2nd, 1 out, Cubs leading 4 nothing."
by blackhawk24 on
Dec 12, 2007 8:12 AM CST
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A beautiful vision
by NWIowaCubFan on
Dec 12, 2007 9:17 AM CST
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MOIS-AY
"MOISSSAAY Alou
Moiseeey ALooo"
"HIDEEEEEOH NOMO
HIDEAAAAA NOMO"
by IowaCubs- on
Dec 12, 2007 9:33 AM CST
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Ahhh, Harry...
by Mark H on
Dec 12, 2007 11:45 AM CST
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Hector Millnanaveva
by lostinthevines on
Dec 12, 2007 2:28 PM CST
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Lol...
by Mark H on
Dec 12, 2007 5:04 PM CST
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Man, Padres fans absolutely hate
by DTJchris on Dec 12, 2007 7:55 AM CST 0 recs
They can take a long walk off a short pier.
The point is, their organization is a joke. I know they have managed to win a bit recently, but they have done nothing in the playoffs since '98. If you want your only fond playoff memories to be getting destroyed in the '98 and '84 World Series, be my guest.
They have fantastic pitching. I know this. Their offense was a joke last year, and it will probably be even worse this year.
Don't blame the Cubs for John Moores' unwillingness to sign someone who can actually hit the ball.
by Kornchex on
Dec 12, 2007 1:08 PM CST
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Geez...
by Damen Jackson on Dec 12, 2007 8:07 AM CST 0 recs
Does that mean they'd be jumping
by blackhawk24 on
Dec 12, 2007 8:13 AM CST
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Padres fans are irrational
Their 'enemies' should be the Dodgers and the Giants, by any stretch of the imagination. But perhaps they resent the fact Cubs fans fill up Petco every year when the team comes to town.
Whatever. They've been to the World Series more times in the past 30 years than we have, but still, they whine about the "Cubs." Their ire should be directed at owner John Moores.
The small-market mentality -- it persists here, and shows no signs of letting up.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on
Dec 12, 2007 10:46 AM CST
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I haven't been
I'm almost being serious. In the section I was sitting in, in the lower section down the third base line, there were zero Padres fans.
by Josh77 on
Dec 12, 2007 1:27 PM CST
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What does this mean for Matt Murton?
by dfrancon on Dec 12, 2007 8:07 AM CST 0 recs

