Kosuke Fukudome signs with the Cubbies

[DMBZeppelin]

ESPN - Japanese star Fukudome coming to Chicago to play for Cubs - MLB

After deciding to play in the U.S. early Tuesday morning, Fukudome chose the Cubs' offer on Tuesday night, ESPN 1000 in Chicago reported.

The two sides have reportedly agreed on a four-year deal, but the exact dollar amount was still being worked out. Earlier media reports said that the Cubs were willing to pay the career .305 hitter between $12 million and $14 million per season.

[Kingdom]

**** you do me... doesn't like your sandwiches.

[love_that_reefer]

The Cubs were the best choice for him playing in a weaker division and Wrigley Field should help him carry over his power numbers from Japan. The Cubs are trying to separate themselves from the rest of the division.

[rockin500]

i like this signing for the cubs. not too much money considering you have aging guys getting 18+ per.

[catman]

What does this say to a player like Felix Pie? Will he be willing to put in his time in the minors just to see his place on the major league roster taken by someone like this or will he want out now?
Personally, I'd enjoy seeing him in a Twins' uniform. He could add the spark the team needs at the top of the order.

[DMBZeppelin]

What does this say to a player like Felix Pie? Will he be willing to put in his time in the minors just to see his place on the major league roster taken by someone like this or will he want out now?
Personally, I'd enjoy seeing him in a Twins' uniform. He could add the spark the team needs at the top of the order.

Not really sure where you get your info. Felix Pie is one of the four untouchables in the Cubs organization. For some reason his backup Sam Fuld is currently an untouchable as well. Either way.

LF - 1. Soriano 2. Murton
CF - 1. Pie 2. Fuld
RF - 1. Fukudome 2. Pagan

As you can see, Pie is starting everday in centerfield. Fuld is his only backup. Soriano will start everyday in left, and Fukudome everyday in right. Murton, Pagan are the backups. Even though DeRosa and Ward can also play the outfield.

[BuckFoston]

This is the 100 year anniversary for the Cubs. This is a good first step in breaking that curse.

[browntown653]

He's obviously an unknown, but I like the signing. Another offseason of the Cubs getting serious about winning, so good for them.

[rockin500]

What does this say to a player like Felix Pie? Will he be willing to put in his time in the minors just to see his place on the major league roster taken by someone like this or will he want out now?
Personally, I'd enjoy seeing him in a Twins' uniform. He could add the spark the team needs at the top of the order.

Pie has plenty of options left, so he cant do any complaining. Not to mention he is going to get a shot at starting in centerfield this upcoming year. fukodome will be the right fielder.

[catman]

I read somewhere that Fukodome is a CF. I guess the source was incorrect. Looks like the Cubs OF will be Soriano, Pie and Fukodome now. That looks pretty impressive.

[rockin500]

I read somewhere that Fukodome is a CF. I guess the source was incorrect. Looks like the Cubs OF will be Soriano, Pie and Fukodome now. That looks pretty impressive.

he wanted to play right field. the white sox they wanted him to play center. That was one reason they didnt land him, despite a larger offer on the table.

[Bon Bon]

Fukudome has been playing really well in his first season with the Cubs. He is currently batting .303 with 21 RBI's. I know he is in the running for rookie of the year, but what are your thoughts about Japenese and other players that play pro ball oversees for years before coming to the major leagues qualifing for the Rookie Of The Year award. In my opinion he should be considered for the award because this is an award for Major League baseball and this is his first season in this league, although he was a professional in other leagues previously. What do you all think?

[love_that_reefer]

I think they can be considered for the award but will always give a true rookie consideration over a Japanese pro.

[HollywoodLeo]

I think it sucks that a seasoned vet can come over to play pro ball in another country and rob a true rookie of the award.

[rockin500]

Fukudome has been playing really well in his first season with the Cubs. He is currently batting .303 with 21 RBI's. I know he is in the running for rookie of the year, but what are your thoughts about Japenese and other players that play pro ball oversees for years before coming to the major leagues qualifing for the Rookie Of The Year award. In my opinion he should be considered for the award because this is an award for Major League baseball and this is his first season in this league, although he was a professional in other leagues previously. What do you all think?

i dont care for it since the japanese leagues are high quality and are seasoned vets over there.

all that being said, he's not even the best rookie on the cubs. Soto will likely get more consideration over Fukodome unless Soto falls off.