The next installment of Japanese Baseball is making their way to this side of the waters, and his name is Kosuke Fukudome. Fukudome is going to step in and play right field and most likely bat second for the Cubs. For 4 years and 48 million, he is said to be a cross between an Ichiro Suzuki and and a healthy Mark Kotsay. which if is true makes him a great sign by Henry and the crew.
The problem lies in if this guy, like many other Japanese Superstars, becomes a bust. And Jim Henry, Cubs GM, is banking a lot on his scouts and other baseball resources around him for Fukudome to step in and be his OBP. machine, like he was in Japan. My prediction, is that he plays a great right field and maybe even center if the right trade comes along (Brian Roberts). And what i most like it gives the Cubs a guy that will look at pitches. Besides Derek Lee and maybe Mark Derosa, everyone else on that team is a free swinger, and pair that with one of the worst OBP. leadoff hitters in the league, Alfonso Soriano. Those make for a lineup that could have trouble getting on base and scoring if they weren't hitting the long ball. This signing solidifies the batting order and is a major upgrade defensively over Cliff Floyd. Good sign for the Cubs, but I have my fingers crossed.
Scott
No comments:
Post a Comment