The Kosuke Fukudome & Hiroki Kuroda Thread

[jersey cubs fan]

I hope Fukudome realizes he can make alot more in endorsements, here in Chicago..vs Kansas City.

 

 

Not sure it will be that big of a difference, at least over the next 3 years. If he establishes himself as a superstar, then yes. I'm not so sure there's going to be a huge ad campaign built up around a non-english speaking first year player. But the real money is going to be when he signs his 2nd major league contract. He's got to go where he thinks he can build up his value highest for that contract.

 

It makes me want to cry that an athlete wouldn't consider a $40m contract "real money".

 

Well, obviously it's real. It's just that the reason it's only 3 years is because he wants to sign a big longterm contract after establishing himself as a legit major league star, but before he's 35 or something. Actually the more this number climbs, the more he might consider going longer term. I think there was some early talks of 3/24, but it was 3/30 pretty quickly, and then talk about 12-15m per year popped up as soon as guys like Guillen signed. If he can get 15m this time around, I'm not sure he'll make considerably more after everybody sees exactly what he is as a major leaguer.

[C.C.]

I'm hoping I can order my Fukudome jersey for Christmas.

 

I wonder how many places like stores and restaurants won't let you in if you're wearing that?

 

Then fukudome them!!!

[CubinNY]

I think Josh Hamilton will end up being better and at 1/5 of the price Fukudome will cost.

I agree. If not better, just as good. But I think the same thing about Murton too.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think Josh Hamilton will end up being better and at 1/5 of the price Fukudome will cost.

I agree. If not better, just as good. But I think the same thing about Murton too.

 

Depends on what players the Cubs give up to get him. Also, having a coach that he's familiar with may be what saves him from his personal demons.

[Derwood]

in the tradition of nicknaming our players things like A-Ram, C-Patt and D-Lee, would he be K-Fuk?*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* pronounced "fook" you heathens

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

in the tradition of nicknaming our players things like A-Ram, C-Patt and D-Lee, would he be K-Fuk?*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* pronounced "fook" you heathens

 

That sounds like a form of personal lubrication.

[Lefty]

Tejada's contract looking better and better.

[CuseCubFan69]

Tejada's contract looking better and better.

 

You ain't kidding. The O's are smiling as each deal this off season goes for more and more cash.

[wilk]

I'm hoping I can order my Fukudome jersey for Christmas.

 

He supposedly wants to go by / have his jersey say "Kosuke," but I'll take a jersey that says anything he wants.

[Sammy Sofa]

I think Josh Hamilton will end up being better and at 1/5 of the price Fukudome will cost.

I agree. If not better, just as good. But I think the same thing about Murton too.

 

Depends on what players the Cubs give up to get him. Also, having a coach that he's familiar with may be what saves him from his personal demons.

 

I'd rather keep Murton to play LF/RF (Crazy dream of Soriano moving to RF), have Fukudome play CF and trade high on Pie.

[swordsman]

I'm hoping I can order my Fukudome jersey for Christmas.

 

He supposedly wants to go by / have his jersey say "Kosuke," but I'll take a jersey that says anything he wants.

 

Especially with a commemorative World Series Championship Patch on the sleeve.

[1908]

It is a very risky move paying the money to bring him in. It could really pay off, hopefully it does, and the Cubs won't have to face ther eality of paying 10-12 million per year for a better version of So Taguchi.

No doubt there's an element of risk, but you're overstating it with that comparison.

 

Career numbers in Japan, 10 season sample for each:

.305/.397/.543 Fukudome

.277/.333/.387 Taguchi

[Tracer Bullet]

I think Josh Hamilton will end up being better and at 1/5 of the price Fukudome will cost.

I agree. If not better, just as good. But I think the same thing about Murton too.

 

Depends on what players the Cubs give up to get him. Also, having a coach that he's familiar with may be what saves him from his personal demons.

 

I'd rather keep Murton to play LF/RF (Crazy dream of Soriano moving to RF), have Fukudome play CF and trade high on Pie.

 

If Pie can net us a difference maker (preferably at SS), I agree.

[CUBZ99]

Offman's update just made it sound like the Royals are in the lead, because of Hillman. Who knows....

[jersey cubs fan]

It is a very risky move paying the money to bring him in. It could really pay off, hopefully it does, and the Cubs won't have to face ther eality of paying 10-12 million per year for a better version of So Taguchi.

No doubt there's an element of risk, but you're overstating it with that comparison.

 

Career numbers in Japan, 10 season sample for each:

.305/.397/.543 Fukudome

.277/.333/.387 Taguchi

 

Everything I've heard is a lesser version of Hideki, perhaps with better defense. At least, that's what I'm picturing.

 

Hideki came over on a 3/21, then signed a 4/52, which is an even $13m per year.

 

Would it surprise anybody if Fukudome signed 3/39 right off the bat?

[C.C.]

Offman's update just made it sound like the Royals are in the lead, because of Hillman. Who knows....

 

 

They just signed Guillen. I guess they have some cash to burn.

[jersey cubs fan]

If Pie can net us a difference maker (preferably at SS), I agree.

 

I might settle for simply an average SS if he's still inexpensive. But then again, average would be a difference maker for the Cubs.

[JeffH]

Would it surprise anybody if Fukudome signed 3/39 right off the bat?

 

I will be shocked if it's that low.

[1908]

It is a very risky move paying the money to bring him in. It could really pay off, hopefully it does, and the Cubs won't have to face ther eality of paying 10-12 million per year for a better version of So Taguchi.

No doubt there's an element of risk, but you're overstating it with that comparison.

 

Career numbers in Japan, 10 season sample for each:

.305/.397/.543 Fukudome

.277/.333/.387 Taguchi

 

Everything I've heard is a lesser version of Hideki, perhaps with better defense. At least, that's what I'm picturing.

 

Hideki came over on a 3/21, then signed a 4/52, which is an even $13m per year.

 

Would it surprise anybody if Fukudome signed 3/39 right off the bat?

Yeah, it's the extra power that makes Hideki the better hitter. Fukudome is a much better defensive player. A lot closer to Ichiro than Hideki in terms of defense.

 

Two years ago, I would've been shocked to see a player straight from Japan sign for that kind of money. In this market, no, I wouldn't be surprised.

[St.Paul Cub]

I'm hoping I can order my Fukudome jersey for Christmas.

 

I wonder how many places like stores and restaurants won't let you in if you're wearing that?

 

I just wish Harry was alive to pronounce it on the radio.

[inari]

Offman's update just made it sound like the Royals are in the lead, because of Hillman. Who knows....

 

I just want this to get resolved. I'm getting ancy.

[JeffH]

Offman's update just made it sound like the Royals are in the lead, because of Hillman. Who knows....

 

I just want this to get resolved. I'm getting ancy.

 

You could be in for a lot of anxiety. This could drag on for weeks.

 

Will Kosuke visit the states and tour the various cities interested in him?

[inari]

Offman's update just made it sound like the Royals are in the lead, because of Hillman. Who knows....

 

I just want this to get resolved. I'm getting ancy.

 

You could be in for a lot of anxiety. This could drag on for weeks.

 

Will Kosuke visit the states and tour the various cities interested in him?

 

I'm getting the impression this is going to be resolved by the end of the week. Maybe I'm wrong.

[ctcf]

If we get beaten by the Royals I'm gonna flip the heck out.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

If we lose out to the Royals, I am punching a hole in my drywall.