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Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome finally declared his intentions to play in the major leagues next season. Considered to be one of the best outfielders in Japan's top professional league, he's expected to draw interest from a number of team.
Among the teams most interested are both the Cubs and White Sox, as well as the San Diego Padres. Will the latest Japanese sensation land in Chicago?
“It’s no secret we’d like him to come to the Cubs,” GM Jim Hendry said. Fukudome, in fact, has been their top free agent target this off season.
The White Sox are also expected to make a run at Fukudome to fill some of their outfield holes, although they may not have the resources to top an offer from the Cubs. Aaron Rowand remains at the top of their current wish list. On the other hand, the Sox have had more experience helping Japanese players like Shingo Takastu and Tadahito Iguchi acclimate to the major leagues and life in the U.S.
Ultimately for Fukudome, Chicagoist guesses it may come down to how good his English is, and whether he'd understand when the drunks in the Wrigley bleachers screaming, "Hey, fuck you, dome!"
Photo by AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa
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Overrated. 30 years old. No decent offers from Japan. Coming off of surgery.
Can't wait to see the Cubs over pay for this guy.
No decent offers? $10 mill a year isn't a decent offer? Jackass. I'm sure if the Sox landed him it wouldn't be "overpaying"
and also, the reason guys come to the US from Asia is because they're going to get more money in the MLB.
Why bring up the Sox? Is commenting on the Cubs only allowed after some sort of Cubs pledge of allegiance has been made? Big money for a 30 year old Japanese player coming off surgery is risky, indeed. You think it isn't and you might be in line for that jackass moniker you're throwing around.
Personally, I'm looking forward to the t-shirts:
"Fuk-u-do-me"
"Fukn-do-me"
I imagine they'll be everywhere (around Wrigley Field).
I should have read the entire post before I wrote. T-shirts....HAH! I kill me.
I mention the Sox because it's obvious to mean that the previous commenter is a bitter Sox fan. I'm sure if the Sox got Fukudome they'd be saying what a coup it was.
mike thoms-
The $10mil figure is rumored to be what the Padres will offer him. There was no meaningful offers from Japan.
I wouldn't want him in a Sox uniform for the reasons I've already mentioned.
OK, 4 years, $30 mill...that to me is meaningful for Japan. I'm going to guess that's top money over there. There were 3 or 4 teams after his services but he chose, like many other Asian players, to head to the US. Why? Because MLB is a billion-dollar a year industry and that translates to big player contracts. Whatever he gets will be less than Torii Hunter got and the Sox seemed willing to pony up a lot for him. And he's 2 years older.
Agreed, however Torri Hunter is a proven player in the MLB - and Fuko isn't. That being said, the Angels drastically overpaid for Hunter.
That doesn't make up for the Sox complete lack of a backup plan, but I'm glad they didn't spend $90mil on Hunter.
Everyone is overpaying for everyone, that's all I'm saying. Look at the Red Sox with Daisuke. He was pretty good but not for what they paid for him.
I thought the Fukudome was some kind of taxpayer funded indoor stadium.