Fukudome to play in Majors

[Pierzynski 12]

It's official: Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome will play in the majors next season.

Fukudome, 30, is set to announce that he is leaving Japan, the first step toward him signing a free-agent contract with a major-league club.
His decision on whether to join the Cubs, Padres or an unidentified third finalist might come as soon as late Friday night or early Saturday, sources say.

The Rangers, White Sox and Giants are among the other teams that have shown interest in Fukudome, a player whom major-league scouts frequently compare to Raul Ibanez.

The Tokyo Giants, Japan's pre-eminent franchise, made a substantial offer to Fukudome, but he is opting instead for a major-league deal that is expected to be for three years and more than $10 million per season.

Fukudome is projected by most clubs to be a corner outfielder, though he played center for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in 2006.

A left-handed hitter, he had a .305 career batting average in Japan, averaging 29 homers between 2003 and '06. He appeared in only 81 games for the Chunichi Dragons last season due to a right-elbow injury that required surgery.

Let's see who signs him.

[mgoblue]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

In other news, 14 year old boys all over the nation suddenly all said "Fukudome" in unison and then giggled like little girls

[Macar91]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

The Cubs are going to do whatever it takes to sign him, hopefully it works out.

[asrabbit91]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

Don't expect alot out of him at first, because in Japan the ball is a little more straight or whatever, so the power doesn't come as easy.

[SPTO]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

Don't expect alot out of him at first, because in Japan the ball is a little more straight or whatever, so the power doesn't come as easy.

Parks are also a lot smaller.

I've heard he's projected to be another Hideki Matsui or even less then that.

[snepp]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

Don't expect alot out of him at first, because in Japan the ball is a little more straight or whatever, so the power doesn't come as easy.

A little more straight or whatever?

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

I think he means the pitchers don't throw pitches with as much movement?!?!

[asrabbit91]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

Yes, you are correct, that and like SPTO said the smaller ballparks cause a big drop off in the HR ball. There also is weaker pitchers in Japan, sure there is solid pitchers, but still some single a pitchers could outdue alot of these japanesse pitchers.

[jpup]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

I think he means the pitchers don't throw pitches with as much movement?!?!

lmao. that's totally opposite of the truth. The ball in Japan is actually a little smaller from what I understand.

[Mr.Burns]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

Fuk-u-dome, that's a great name! He's destined for greatness just for having that name.

[rsox]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

If he signs with the Cubs then i don't see the ballpark issue being a factor, but if he signs with the Padres the ballpark will definitly be a factor in how well he produces from a power standpoint.

[sask3m]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

i say he signs with the giants (i hope)

[bkrich83]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

I'd be surprised if he doesn't sign with either an east coast or west coast team.

[sask3m]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

I'd be surprised if he doesn't sign with either an east coast or west coast team.

yeah the cubs are out, lol

[DrDoom77]

Re: Fukudome to play in Majors

yeah the cubs are out, lol

Everything I've read said the Cubs are the clear frontrunner, with San Diego a second possibility. Those are the two primary suitors. He's been the Cubs' #1 free agent target ever since the offseason began.