Beast from the East

It appears the Cubs have gotten their man, Japanese star outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Word on the street is that the North Siders outbid the other suitors by offering Fukudome something in the area of $48MM over 4 years. Though many have quietly wondered if this is an overpayment, the $12MM per year figure is at the top of the range originially predicted when Dome was thought to be pursuing a move to the US.

The outfielder posted very good numbers in 2006, finishing the season as the Central League MVP. His 2007 season was cut short by a problem in the right elbow that eventually required surgery to remove bone fragments.

Fukudome has been a player on the baseball radar since he was a youngster. He turned down a deal with the Kintetsu Buffaloes (due to a desire to play for the Chunichi Dragons or the Yomiuri Giants) and chose to remain an amateur. He became the youngest player chosen to an Olympic baseball team in 1996, winning a silver medal in Atlanta.

Drafted by Chunichi in 1998 as a shortstop, Dome's fielding problems resulted in an eventual move to the outfield, where a strong arm and good speed eventually resulted in four Golden Gloves. Dome led the league in batting in 2002. A second Olympics in 2004 resulted in a bronze medal. 2006 was a banner year, with a World Baseball Classic Championship and the Central League MVP after leading the league in batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage and doubles (a league-record 47).

I've seen 2008 predictions anywhere from a .265 average to .300. One thing is clear, Dome does not possess monster power, but will probably hit somewhere around 20 HRs. Indications are that he has patience and gap power, which should translate very well to the Major Leagues. All things considered, I think he will fit well with the Cubs and with Piniella, who has managed a number of Japanese players already. Fukudome adds the left-handed bat the team has been looking for and will slide in nicely with the other bats.