Chicagoist: Cubs and Sox May Compete for Japanese Outfielder

whymustiregister

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:41:17 -0600

I thought the Fukudome was some kind of taxpayer funded indoor stadium.

mike_thoms

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:35:04 -0600

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.

TonyB

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:26:44 -0600

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.

mike_thoms

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:09:29 -0600

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.

TonyB

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:01:09 -0600

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.

mike_thoms

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:37:43 -0600

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.

Hugh G Rection

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:22:58 -0600

I should have read the entire post before I wrote. T-shirts....HAH! I kill me.

Hugh G Rection

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:20:32 -0600

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).

mike_thoms

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:02:03 -0600

and also, the reason guys come to the US from Asia is because they're going to get more money in the MLB.

mike_thoms

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:00:04 -0600

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"

TonyB

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:57:30 -0600

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.