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Monday, December 10, 2007

Fukudome to Play in US

In the words of Charles S: “Sorry, JP”

Japan’s Nikkansports reported Sunday that the outfielder has decided not to play for the Yomiuri Giants and will sign with a Major League team instead.

And I couldn’t let this go by without mention:

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said scouts have described Fukudome as a cross between Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki.

Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: December 10, 2007 at 05:26 PM | 50 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: international, japan

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1. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 05:57 PM (#2640125)

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said scouts have described Fukudome as a cross between Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki.

That's better than a cross between So Taguchi and Shinjo!

2. Wakefieldfan Posted: December 10, 2007 at 05:57 PM (#2640128)

The same scouts pegged Lastings Milledge as a cross between Milton Bradley and Willie Harris

3. JPWF13

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:03 PM (#2640138)

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said scouts have described Fukudome as a cross between Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki.

Matsui's defense and baserunning prowess and Ichiro's power

4. Kiko Sakata

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:03 PM (#2640139)

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said scouts have described Fukudome as a cross between Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki.

That's pretty funny. Isn't every decent major-league outfielder somewhere between Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki in terms of their style?

Edit: or, following up on #3, even crappy major-league outfielders are probably some combination of Suzuki's and Matsui's skillsets.

5. DKDC Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:05 PM (#2640141)

That's better than a cross between So Taguchi and Shinjo!

Or Dick Allen and Phil Paine. Or Red Faber and Chuck Knoblauch.

6. Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:09 PM (#2640147)

I'm happy there was no Hideo Nomo comparison. He was a terrible hitter and that would be a horrifically slow release on throws from the outfield.

7. Dan The Mediocre Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:10 PM (#2640150)

As a Cubs fan, I wonder what the backup plan is if they don't get Fukudome. Do they have one other than "throw money at someone mediocre and hope for the best"?

8. jamcadbury Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:12 PM (#2640152)

So who is considered a legitimate bidder right now? Both Chicago teams, San Diego, maybe Texas, and who else?

9. Sweet Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:13 PM (#2640154)

That's better than a cross between So Taguchi and Shinjo

Or Kaz Matsui and Mac Suzuki. (Although, come to think of it, we could use another middle infielder.)

I really hope the Cubs get him, but whatever the result, I hope it comes soon -- it seems like whatever other plans the Cubs might have this offseason are (reasonably) on hold until they resolve this piece.

10. Kiko Sakata

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:15 PM (#2640157)

So who is considered a legitimate bidder right now? Both Chicago teams, San Diego, maybe Texas, and who else?

I read somewhere last week (probably here - either that or the Chicago Tribune; those are my two main sources for sports news) that Fukudome had narrowed his U.S. choices to the Cubs and Royals, believe it or not.

11. Crispix Attacks Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:17 PM (#2640162)

Free agent Geoff Jenkins has been described as a cross between Dave Kingman and Jason Tyner.

12. retro-shiite Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:23 PM (#2640170)

Git 'er done, Hendry.

13. Champions Table Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:25 PM (#2640171)

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said scouts have described Fukudome as a cross between Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki.

Hidekiro Matsuzuki?

14. Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:26 PM (#2640173)

The Giants have also been mentioned as a suitor.

15. Craig Calcaterra Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:26 PM (#2640175)

In all seriousness, can anyone recall a legitimate comparison of players that hasn't adhered to strict racial lines? I'm trying to think of one and I just can't.

16. Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:28 PM (#2640177)

Hidekiro Matsuzuki?

Doesn't he pitch for Boston?

Have there been any attempts to compile MLEs for Japanese League players? Or, better yet, is there good basis to believe that Fukudome's power numbers won't do a Kazuo Matsui in MLB?

17. Kiko Sakata

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:29 PM (#2640179)

In all seriousness, can anyone recall a legitimate comparison of players that hasn't adhered to strict racial lines? I'm trying to think of one and I just can't.

I've seen suggestions recently that the White Sox either 'should' or 'may be interested in' acquiring Juan Pierre to take "Scott Podsednik's role" but I don't think that's really what you're looking for (although Pierre and Podsednik are pretty decent comps in terms of style).

18. Moe Greene Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:30 PM (#2640182)

Yankees' legend Derek Jeter has been described as a cross between Marty Marion and Ernie Banks.

19. Crispix Attacks Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:31 PM (#2640185)

Dave Roberts could be as good as Johnny Damon, but his downside is...um....Hines Ward.

20. Dan The Mediocre Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:33 PM (#2640187)

Dave Roberts could be as good as Johnny Damon, but his downside is...um....Hines Ward.

Any chance a team takes a flier on him as a wide receiver?

21. JPWF13

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:46 PM (#2640211)

Have there been any attempts to compile MLEs for Japanese League players? Or, better yet, is there good basis to believe that Fukudome's power numbers won't do a Kazuo Matsui in MLB?

Yes and no.....

FAke Matsui's 3 years prior to arrival:
.308/.365/.496
.332/.389/.617
.305/.365/.549
career: .309/.362/.484

Fukudome:
.328/.430/.590
.351/.438/.653
.294/.443/.520 (half season- injured)
career: .305/.397/.543

Real Matsui:
.316/.438/.654
333/.463/.617
334/.463/.692
career: .304/.413/.582

I don't have park and league contexts handy, but I would speculate- better than KazMat not as good as Hidecki

Fukudome has 1 other season with a slugging over .600, and one more at .569
Kaz's 2nd best season was at .560, (3 years total over.500, everything else under)

Hidecki: .295/.371/.485
KaMat: .272/.325/.387

Seat of my pants:
Fukudome:
.285/.350/.440

22. Jonk Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:51 PM (#2640217)

although Pierre and Podsednik are pretty decent comps in terms of style

They definitely are. Yet, over the past five seasons, Juan Pierre has made $20.35 million compared to Podsednik's $6.375M million. Interesting.

23. Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:52 PM (#2640220)

Seat of my pants:
Fukudome:
.285/.350/.440

That would be quite helpful to Chicago. His plus defense in a corner would make him worth a good bit of money.

24. Famous Original Joe C Posted: December 10, 2007 at 06:59 PM (#2640229)

Seat of my pants:
Fukudome:
.285/.350/.440

FWIW, Chone Smith has him at .283/.373/.465; I saw another projection (forget where) that has him at .282/.369/.445 next year.

25. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:00 PM (#2640230)

Free agent Geoff Jenkins has been described as a cross between Dave Kingman and Jason Tyner.

I am a cross between Roger Clemens and The Mayor of Cincinnati. Sign me to a contract!

26. Cowboy Popup Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:01 PM (#2640231)

Yet, over the past five seasons, Juan Pierre has made $20.35 million compared to Podsednik's $6.375M million. Interesting.

Pierre can actually play center. And he's been good more then one year (two in fact) in his career while Pods is still living off his rookie season. Pierre had the good sense to have his best seasons after he had hit arbitration.

27. I can't believe we're playing Francoeur(KevinHess) Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:07 PM (#2640236)

Seat of my pants:
Fukudome:
.285/.350/.440

That would be quite helpful to Chicago.

It would also be helpful in Kansas City. I think I want us to win the bidding war.

28. Swan Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:07 PM (#2640237)

So who is considered a legitimate bidder right now? Both Chicago teams, San Diego, maybe Texas, and who else?

Yep, Kansas City.

29. Best Regards, Larry M. Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:08 PM (#2640238)

Well, he won't be playing for Tampa Bay or Minnesota, I can tell you that!

(Yes, yes, I know how it's pronounced)

30. JPWF13

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:12 PM (#2640241)

They definitely are. Yet, over the past five seasons, Juan Pierre has made $20.35 million compared to Podsednik's $6.375M million. Interesting.

for some reason Pierre has managed to fool most of the people who watch the games into thinking he's a good player- POds has not.

Of course the POd has managed to hit .244, .261 and .243 in 3 of the last 4 years, doesn't play every game, and has never reached 200 hits in a season.

His career OPS+ is 86, and his last 3 years are 86, 75 and 73
Pierre is at 84 and his last 3 are 84, 82 and 75...
If your playing DMB baseball it doesn't make a difference, but the MSM, most fans, and more than a few front offices, still look at mainstream stats, Pierre has a higher average and more hits- in fact he's hit that still magic #- 200 hits 4 times.

On the bright side for Pods- he's really no better than Endy Chavez- and he's made 2X what Chavez has.

I'd prefer Endy on my roster, he's cheaper, a better defender than either, and no one has any illusions that Endy should start- used correctly he's a plus as a 4th/5th OF, - in which role he has more positive value than Pod or Pierre have as starters.

31. H_Vaughn08 Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:22 PM (#2640252)

(Yes, yes, I know how it's pronounced)

I'm genuinely curious how:

a) fans are going to make signs for this guy that can be shown on national TV

b) what kind of family-safe affectionate diminutives can be developed for marketeers, announcers and fans

32. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:25 PM (#2640256)

It would also be helpful in Kansas City. I think I want us to win the bidding war.

Me too. I think he'd be a great fit. If we do get him though, it makes me kinda wish we had gone with a cheap platoon instead of signing Guillen.

33. Walt Davis Posted: December 10, 2007 at 07:28 PM (#2640264)

Too bad he's not a cross between Kevin Bass and Roberto Petagine.

34. JPWF13

Posted: December 10, 2007 at 08:11 PM (#2640342)

Too bad he's not a cross between Kevin Bass and Roberto Petagine.

Petagine in Japan:
.317/.446/.633

all prime seasons- a pretty good match for Hidecki Matsui as an offensive player.

Bass: I assume you mean Randy Bass???

Bass hit .210/.293/.313 in his only extended MLB playing time (176 ABs in 1981)
also had seasons of .333/.454/.660 and .333/.437/.644 and .290/.429/.598 in the old American Association, which looks phenomenal for that league- until you realize he played his home games in Mile High Stadium...

238 minor league Homers, more than 200 in Japan...

35. The Polish Sausage Racer Posted: December 10, 2007 at 08:12 PM (#2640343)

My understanding is that he intends to just go by his first name in the US. He's aware of the issue.

36. Kid Charlemagne Posted: December 10, 2007 at 08:19 PM (#2640353)

As a Cubs fan, I wonder what the backup plan is if they don't get Fukudome. Do they have one other than "throw money at someone mediocre and hope for the best"?

When do they ever?

37. Brandon in MO (Yunitility Infielder) Posted: December 10, 2007 at 08:33 PM (#2640377)

But can Fukudome fail a drug test in order to impress Dayton Moore?

38. KJOK Posted: December 10, 2007 at 08:35 PM (#2640379)

Have there been any attempts to compile MLEs for Japanese League players? Or, better yet, is there good basis to believe that Fukudome's power numbers won't do a Kazuo Matsui in MLB?

You may want to check out:

The Japanese are Coming

I'll have Fukudome's projected MLE's up shortly.

39. Rich Rifkin I Posted: December 10, 2007 at 08:41 PM (#2640391)

When I was a star high school baseball player, I was described as "a cross between Mike Epstein and Alan Greenspan."

But can Fukudome fail a drug test in order to impress Dayton Moore?

It's pronounced, FUH-que-DEW-me, right?

40. vortex of dissipation Posted: December 10, 2007 at 10:13 PM (#2640537)

Yes, yes, I know how it's pronounced.

I'm sorry to ask this, but I honestly don't know. How is it pronounced?

41. Artie Ziff Posted: December 10, 2007 at 10:16 PM (#2640541)

It seems pretty obvious he wants to play in California somewhere. I would assume S.D. or S.F., but why not Seattle?

42. Cyclone Alley Posted: December 10, 2007 at 10:23 PM (#2640553)

I'm sorry to ask this, but I honestly don't know. How is it pronounced?

foo-koo-doh-may

43. Best Regards, Larry M. Posted: December 10, 2007 at 10:36 PM (#2640577)

foo-koo-doh-may

Hey, foo koo! And who are you calling a doh-may?

44. Loren F. Posted: December 10, 2007 at 10:37 PM (#2640580)

A chillingly accurate impression of New York fans, Larry.

45. H_Vaughn08 Posted: December 10, 2007 at 10:55 PM (#2640620)

My understanding is that he intends to just go by his first name in the US. He's aware of the issue.

So that would be the part of his name with Suk in it. . .

46. Crispix Attacks Posted: December 10, 2007 at 11:03 PM (#2640628)

So that would be the part of his name with Suk in it. . .

He should wear "SUK FÜK DO ME" on the back of his jersey. Think of how many people would buy replicas!

47. vortex of dissipation Posted: December 10, 2007 at 11:17 PM (#2640651)

foo-koo-doh-may

Thank you.

48. Kyle S Posted: December 10, 2007 at 11:24 PM (#2640665)

If NY built a domed stadium, would it be the "Fuku Dome" when boston came to town?

49. danup Posted: December 10, 2007 at 11:46 PM (#2640689)

Hypothetical primey for #18.

50. The NeverEnding Torii (oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh) Posted: December 11, 2007 at 05:30 PM (#2641355)

Wherever he goes, I'm getting a plethora of signs ready for this guy. Finally, I can combine my love of Bell Biv Devoe lyrics, juvenile jokes, sign-making and baseball.

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Fukudome to Play in US

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