Kosuke Fukudome Rumors: Wednesday

Dayton Moore said the Royals weren't interested in Fukedome yesterday I think. Has anyone heard they were, or did his source confuse the Royals' interest in Kuroda? Interesting thought though.

Is there any reason not to pay him the big bucks?

Won't he practically pay for himself with the added merchandise revenue?

When will KW wake up? Fukudome is a perfect fit for the Sox. If he was willing to throw money away by signing Hunter, he should throw that money at Fukudome. Money better spent, in my opinion.

The White Sox? LOL. Who would want to come to America and play for that awful organization?

If Hendry loses Fukudome to the freaking Royals, he should be fired for gross incompetence.

It's better than playing for an organization that hasn't won in 99 years. Who's ownership is up in the air. Who's fans come to the game drunk and dont even watch the game because they are too busy on their cell phones. You're right - the Cubs are a much better choice. Get real. I'd choose the Royals over the Cubs. At least their GM has a clue.

Hey BIGHURT35, take your Sox-based Cubhate elsewhere, along with your incorrect cliches. Fukudome will follow the $$$, was my point, and the Cubs can certainly outspend the Royals.

Oh, and if you're trying to suggest that Cub fans are drunker than Sox fans...please. Anyway, enjoy all of that Ozzie-based bunting this year. Should be a hoot.

Fukudome might want to play for the manager in Kansas City. If I'm not mistaken he just came back from managing in Japan. They might know each other. And from where I'm sitting the Royals have a good chance of finishing ahead of the White Sox next year. And I wouldn't be critical of another teams fans when your own fans are known for running on the field and beating up a first base coach.

At least Sox fans didn't cost the team a shot at a World Series by interfering with the ball in play. Go Cub Fans!!!

"And I wouldn't be critical of another teams fans when your own fans are known for running on the field and beating up a first base coach."

As opposed to the cubs fans that run on the field and try to attack Bob Howry? Or the ones that throw trash on their "sacred" ground known as Wrigley Field in a show of protest?? Please. Its safe to say that both sides of town have knuckle heads so why dont we stop this bantering back and forth.

I hope this thread doesn't turn into the typical Cubs/Sox war, with Sox fans coming up with their usual 2-3 comebacks we have been hearing for years.

"with Sox fans coming up with their usual 2-3 comebacks we have been hearing for years."

Right and Sox fans havent been hearing how the S.Side is trash and hillbillys, etc. Just Sox fans right, Cubs fans dont dont have comebacks right?? Please.

forlife61. you say let's stop the bantering and then you continue. Both sides of town have smart baseball fans and knuckleheads, let's leave it at that.

Yeah, it's just that the southside has bigger knuckleheads and a severe inferiority complex. That's all I have to say about that.

I hate when teams say "untouchable." Nobody should be untouchable, given the right offer.

And Fuld...er, what? OK, look, I know he's tearing up the AFL, but...we're talking about the 26-year-old with a career MiLB line of .296/.377/.418, right? I mean, that's decent enough, but he's not the next superstar.

Even though the fall league isn't exactly tough, he still led it most hitting categories and got on base in 27 of 29 games. I don't care if everyone loves Pie, unless he can get on base he's just a fast CF with a good arm. If Fuld can provide adequate defense, which it seems he can, and can get on base more than Pie in Spring Training, he could actually beat out Felix for the starting spot.

I agree, he's not a superstar, but I do think if the Cubs are going to fill CF from within, Fuld might actually have a shot at beating out Pie for the role.
And Fuld's .296/.377/.418 isn't too different from Pie's .300/.358/.468. And Pie has 6 minor league seasons compared to Fuld's 3.

Wow, everyone is so touchy and sensitive today. I still enjoy the Cubs-Sox banter myself though. Made me laugh before starting my day

I think you meant 3/$30M. I'd guess it will end up being closer to 3/$40.

Yeah, 3/$30M, $10M per.

Hey Fuld isn't that bad defensively himself. Anyone remember him bailing out "Stevie Ire", crashing into the bricks then throwing out dude to complete one of the best double plays of '07. Im a die hard Cub fan for 30 years now. Now, I don't care whose "projected" to do what, I just wanna see them do it. If Fuld keeps playing defense like that and the consistent bat from the AFL, then HELLO my new centerfielder!!!

I'm by no means giving up on Pie. Like I said, he can't hit .250 RIGHT NOW. He just has to figure out how to handle Major League pitching and then he will be the CF for a long time. Until that happens though, it wouldn't surprise me if whoever get on base more gets the most time. Pie will get there, eventually. And hopefully sooner than later. But if he pulls another .215, then either Fuld will take over or the Cubs will look for someone else for right now.

LOL Fulr, *FULD. Im giving the guy crazy props then misspell his name. Im retarded. Sorry Sam, if your checking yourself out on here

When I hear people talk about Pie, and compare his AAA line to his big league line, I can't help but think of what everyone said about Rich Hill. In 2006, Hill had a 1.7 ERA and a 12 k/9 rating in AAA, but in a handful of starts had a 0-4 with a 7.5+ (dont know exactly) era. You're not going to teach Pie about hitting unless he's out there learning himself. He CAN learn, his first MLB hit was against Maddux. But you're not going to teach him as he plays cheerleader.

And Sam Fuld, scrappy? Yes, but so is Theriot. No way they're starting on a World Series calibur team. He's a great defensive replacement/pinch runner/4th or 5th of for the price, but you don't win a WS with Sam Fuld getting 400+ at bats.

Heyman said the Red Sox may be interested in outfielder Hiroki Fukudome.

Probably all you need to know right there that it isn't true.

Will Carrol at BP is reporting that the White Sox are making a very strong, late push for Fukodome.

I hope the Royals land Fukudome-senshuu because I want to see him play in the AL Central. Man, if they got him, they could really shake things up in the AL central. Not saying they are going to win it or anything like that.

It's just crazy how in 2 years the Twins could go from the best team in the AL central to the worst.

The Rays signed Iwamura to a 3/$12M contract. I can't see them throwing 3/$35-40 at Fukudome.

The Royals have no interest in Kosuke Fukudome due to the fact he is left handed.. the royals are strictly looking for a right handed power hitter in the outfield to complement Jose Guillen.. you did indeed get him confused with Hiroki Kuroda they show a lot of interest in him.

I don't know if I would say it's entirely not mutual. Hillman had some pretty impressive things to say about Fukudome. It sounds like he'd definitely take him if there was a chance.

ANY WORD ON ANY STARTING PITCHERS SIGNINGS FOR THE CUBS AT ALL? WE NEED A 4 & 5, ILL TAKE A RUMOR, I DONT CARE!

haha, but seriously, anything?

Probably a White Sox fan who wrote that, good luck watchin old worn out farts try to hit and young non-skilled kids play the "Ozzie" bunt game, that should be exciting! You guys might get 60 wins, and if this is a Cardinals fan, dont get jealous that we are and will be the best in the division for years to come.

ALL SOUNDS GOOD MY FELLOW CUB FAN, BUT WE NEED PITCHING!!!! WE ALREADY HAVE OFFENSE, A BETTER ONE NOW THAT JONES, FLOYD, & KENDALL ARE GONE. FUKUDOME WILL ADD AND SO WILL IBANEZ, we will win it all with one or both, WE NEED 1 MORE SP!

I beg to differ. Fukudome would be a huge addition to that lineup. They need a OBP-producing lefthanded rightfielder. Thats essentially what Fukudome is. If the Cubs don't get him, then Hendry has really screwed up unless he can pull off some shocking trade, which would well, shock me.

I apologize for some of my fellow Cub fans. Every team has their bad apples.

This is great news however, Kosuke is really just what the doctor ordered for that lineup. Hopefully Lee a full year removed from his wrist injury will return to 2005-like form, and if Rami and Soriano can stay healthy you can book them for 30-40 bombs.

no ones losing ways are more well known then the cubs. cmon, they are the "loveable losers"

I think it's the Cubbies, but I wouldn't discount KC at all.

What I've learned through Dayton's near 2 years now, is to NEVER EVER trust what he says to the media. Case in point - He says he's getting "More and more intrigued" by other players every day, then just hours later he signs Guillen, whom he was refering to.

He's CLEARLY very inclined to upgrade the offense here, and Kosuke would certainly improve the offense.

Carroll says he believes the Sox and Cubs are both after him, but the Sox have made a big push.

That's true, the cubs are the "loveable losers" and in the lead for this 2007 Japanese Series winner.. makes me think the Rays could actually be contenders for Fukudome if financial hurdles could be overcome.. I believe the Rays did bring in close to $30 mil in revenue sharing though.. what are the predictions for a Fukudome deal?

So what's your guys bet on the offer? Fukudome said he only wanted three years, and I'm betting the Cubs offered him 3/$36. Four/$40-42 would be better, but I don't see it happening.

I don't know if he's worth that much, but I do agree the Cubs need him. They also need a shortstop, which I guess they will have to get by trade. Does anyone know if DeRosa can play short with any decency at all?

Fukodome I hope goes to the White sox....... This offseason has been bad enough can we atleast salvage something and shut these ignorant people up and have a shot at the tigers?