Levine: Fukudome a Cub (was Kosuke coming to U.S.)

[Roast]

Does the increased expected revenue from having a marquee Japanese player offset some of that cost? I have to think so, but anyone have any idea by how much?

 

Someone, I forget who, was talking about this in their article yesterday. Essentially they said that Wrigley was planning on adding some extra sign-ege anyway, and if they landed Fukudome, they planned on putting some of those adds in japanese because so many more games would now be aired in Japan. The writer made it sound like the cubs could get a substantial amount out of the advertising - though they did not give a number.

[moorecg]

thats it jimbo, SHOOT FOR THE MOOOOOOOON

 

It's going to be interesting to watch the White Sox on this. They've had a lousy off season thus far coming off a lousy year with an owner, who loves sticking it to the Cubs. I think they're a legitimate threat.

 

I think they're at the point this offseason where they might feel desperate to sign someone, just to try to offset the failed Hunter and Cabrera attempts. They don't normally do 5-year deals, although they offered one to Hunter, so it'll be interesting to see if the Hunter offer was an abberation or a shift in their policy.

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

 

I would hope they give Pie the chance to play center....The defense in the outfield would be pretty sick and allowing a young, cheap, player to develop seems like a good idea...

[98navigator]

thats it jimbo, SHOOT FOR THE MOOOOOOOON

 

It's going to be interesting to watch the White Sox on this. They've had a lousy off season thus far coming off a lousy year with an owner, who loves sticking it to the Cubs. I think they're a legitimate threat.

 

I think they're at the point this offseason where they might feel desperate to sign someone, just to try to offset the failed Hunter and Cabrera attempts. They don't normally do 5-year deals, although they offered one to Hunter, so it'll be interesting to see if the Hunter offer was an abberation or a shift in their policy.

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

I think including Pie in a trade may be dependent on the Cubs move(s) following Fukudome (assuming they sign him). If the Cubs also acquire Brian Roberts they may be inclined to put Fuk in CF and DeRo in RF or, they could keep Pie and look to trade DeRosa in the same or a subsequent deal.

[Roast]

Does the increased expected revenue from having a marquee Japanese player offset some of that cost? I have to think so, but anyone have any idea by how much?

 

Unless I am mistaken, all international merchandise revenue goes directly into revenue sharing, as well as online sales except for zip codes in a 200 mile radius. The only way the Cubs can profit directly off of this deal is by selling ads to Japanese, or a cable deal. One way is to have the green screen behind home plate display Japanese ads whenever Fukudome is batting, because obviously they'll get more play in Japan than say, Ryan Theriot's.

Yeah, and that's something they were planning on doing - selling ads in japanese. i wish I could remember whose article I read this in...

[HoopsCubs]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

[Rob]

Does the increased expected revenue from having a marquee Japanese player offset some of that cost? I have to think so, but anyone have any idea by how much?

 

Unless I am mistaken, all international merchandise revenue goes directly into revenue sharing, as well as online sales except for zip codes in a 200 mile radius. The only way the Cubs can profit directly off of this deal is by selling ads to Japanese, or a cable deal. One way is to have the green screen behind home plate display Japanese ads whenever Fukudome is batting, because obviously they'll get more play in Japan than say, Ryan Theriot's.

 

I think you've got it right, unless the newest CBA changed things.

[moorecg]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

 

Considering his performance at AAA am I the only one that thinks giving Pie the every day job and not jerking him around might ammount to something more than an automatic out?

[C.C.]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

 

Considering his performance at AAA am I the only one that thinks giving Pie the every day job and not jerking him around might ammount to something more than an automatic out?

 

You'd assume so, but until he proves otherwise...

[The Voice of Reason]

Does the increased expected revenue from having a marquee Japanese player offset some of that cost? I have to think so, but anyone have any idea by how much?

 

Unless I am mistaken, all international merchandise revenue goes directly into revenue sharing, as well as online sales except for zip codes in a 200 mile radius. The only way the Cubs can profit directly off of this deal is by selling ads to Japanese, or a cable deal. One way is to have the green screen behind home plate display Japanese ads whenever Fukudome is batting, because obviously they'll get more play in Japan than say, Ryan Theriot's.

 

Yeah, and that's something they were planning on doing - selling ads in japanese. i wish I could remember whose article I read this in...

 

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20071211-9999-1s11padres.html

 

By selling ballpark advertising space to Japanese companies, Fukudome's new club could promptly add to its revenues. Fukudome's .397 career on-base percentage in Japan excited the Padres, who project him for the top third of their lineup.

[CuseCubFan69]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

That's why the Riot hits 2nd to stop the auto 3!

 

If Pie goes and Hendry deals for Roberts doesn't that leave a hole in Right?

[Butterscup1679666578]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

That's why the Riot hits 2nd to stop the auto 3!

 

If Pie goes and Hendry deals for Roberts doesn't that leave a hole in Right?

 

DeRosa, maybe?

[The Voice of Reason]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

That's why the Riot hits 2nd to stop the auto 3!

 

If Pie goes and Hendry deals for Roberts doesn't that leave a hole in Right?

 

DeRosa.

[Guest]

Move Soriano to right, play Murton in left. Deal DeRosa.

[jersey cubs fan]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

That's why the Riot hits 2nd to stop the auto 3!

 

If Pie goes and Hendry deals for Roberts doesn't that leave a hole in Right?

 

They would go with DeRo in RF most days in that scenario.

 

I believe Pie could be more than an automatic out. And if SS was manned by somebody who was competent, I'd be more than willing to let him battle through any struggles.

 

Well, actually I'm more than happy to keep Pie in CF regardless. I'm not in favor of including him in a Roberts trade.

[CuseCubFan69]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

That's why the Riot hits 2nd to stop the auto 3!

 

If Pie goes and Hendry deals for Roberts doesn't that leave a hole in Right?

 

DeRosa, maybe?

 

Oh yeah I forgot. That doesn't excite me at all, who had better numbers...DeRosa or Murton?

 

This whole DeRosa thing reminds me of the Walker situation a few years back.

[Peoriaman]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

 

Theriot is now an "automatic out?"

[abuck1220]

 

Theriot is now an "automatic out?"

 

he was as close to one as anybody in the cubs' lineup last year, wasn't he?

[Rob]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

 

Theriot is now an "automatic out?"

 

He's pretty close to it. And his walk rate will probably drop next season considering how abysmal his P/PA was last year.

[Lefty]

 

I would hope they give Pie the chance to play center....The defense in the outfield would be pretty sick and allowing a young, cheap, player to develop seems like a good idea...

 

If they could something good for Pie I wouldn't mind if that young cheap player was Murton. Having another guy with some idea of the strike zone would be awesome.

[inari]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

 

Theriot is now an "automatic out?"

 

Pretty close to it.

[The Voice of Reason]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

That's why the Riot hits 2nd to stop the auto 3!

 

If Pie goes and Hendry deals for Roberts doesn't that leave a hole in Right?

 

DeRosa.

[jersey cubs fan]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

 

Theriot is now an "automatic out?"

 

There wasn't a single Cubs regular who made outs more frequently than Theriot last year.

[jersey cubs fan]

Oh yeah I forgot. That doesn't excite me at all, who had better numbers...DeRosa or Murton?

 

This whole DeRosa thing reminds me of the Walker situation a few years back.

 

Doesn't excite me either. Although a Murton, Fukudome, Soriano outfield could be very nice.

[Mizzou]

If the Cubs land Fukudome, do you think Pie becomes trade bait, or will Fukudome play right field?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cubs land Fukudome, I think they will be more willing to trade Pie especially if Colvin is progressing. Hendry keeps saying Pie is untouchable, but I got to believe if Hendry becomes desperate for Brian Roberts, he'll put Pie in that deal.

 

With Pie, Theriot and the pitcher's spot, the lineup has 3 automatic outs (save for Z).

 

 

Theriot is now an "automatic out?"

 

He's pretty close to it. And his walk rate will probably drop next season considering how abysmal his P/PA was last year.

Or his P/PA will improve next year, making his walk rate increase.

[CuseCubFan69]

Hey guys can we keep the Theriot thing to just 2 threads and not this one please?