With a new season fast approaching, fans will dig in their heals and hope it's their team that will be celebrating a World Series Championship come October.
For Cubs' fans, that hope is stronger than probably any fan of any team in baseball. When you go 100 years without a World Series Championship, you hear words like "cursed," as we did before Boston broke their long winless streak in 2004. There's an article from Mark Newman of MLB.com yesterday that talks about that long winless streak, but are the Cubs really good enough? I have serious doubts of that.
The one concern that I have, and it's not a small concern, is their starting rotation. As of right now, you're looking at a rotation of Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Rich Hill, Ryan Dempster and Jason Marquis. We all know what Zambrano is capable of, but we also know that he's capable of a complete melt down as well. The one player I'm concerned about in this rotation is Ryan Dempster, especially since he hasn't been a full time starter since 2003 with the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he's started only 6 games combined between 2004 and 2007. Can he come out of the bullpen from the closers roll to a starter and be effective?
The other place that I have a concern is their bullpen, especially with Kerry Wood closing for them. I'm not saying that he can't do the job, there's no question he can, but the one question that comes up every single year is, "can he stay health?" He's yet to show that he can stay healthy for an entire season, something the Cubs desperately need from him this year.
They do have a very potent offense, especially with guys like Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, not to mention the addition of Kosuke Fukudome, but how will these guys do against some of the best pitching in baseball? How will Felix Pie do as the every day center fielder?
This team has a lot of question marks, and although we won't have answers to these questions right away, I think you'll start to see the answers within 2 or 3 months. If the starting rotation can stay healthy, and I'm talking about all 5 guys, then I think the Cubs will be just fine. There's no question they are the best team in the NL Central, the race shouldn't be close in my opinion, but the big question of this article is, can they finally win the World Series?
My answer....no. This team just isn't good enough, key word, yet. There's just too much that can go wrong with this team, and usually does.
Showing posts with label Kosuke Fukudome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kosuke Fukudome. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Fukudome signs with Cubs
12.11.07 9:19pm PST
The Cubs' deal for Fukudome was 4-years $48M according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.
12.11.07 7:51pm PST
According to the San Diego Union Tribune and Chicago WGN Radio, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has signed a 4-year $50M deal with the Chicago Cubs.
12.11.07 9:40am PST
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Cubs could be willing to offer as much as $50M over 3 years for Fukudome, which seems like a lot of money for a guy that's never played 1 game in major league baseball.
Also, a new development with Fukudome, apparently he's asked for a 5-year deal, which is contrary to the "3-year deal only" we've been hearing through this whole thing.
12.11.07 7:41am PST
I think we can finally say it's official, especially since it came from Fukudome himself. "I won't be playing for a Japanese club next season, I'll play in the majors," Fukudome said. "I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years.
I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States."According to reports, it's come down to 2 cities...Chicago and San Diego
The Cubs' deal for Fukudome was 4-years $48M according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.
12.11.07 7:51pm PST
According to the San Diego Union Tribune and Chicago WGN Radio, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has signed a 4-year $50M deal with the Chicago Cubs.
12.11.07 9:40am PST
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Cubs could be willing to offer as much as $50M over 3 years for Fukudome, which seems like a lot of money for a guy that's never played 1 game in major league baseball.
Also, a new development with Fukudome, apparently he's asked for a 5-year deal, which is contrary to the "3-year deal only" we've been hearing through this whole thing.
12.11.07 7:41am PST
I think we can finally say it's official, especially since it came from Fukudome himself. "I won't be playing for a Japanese club next season, I'll play in the majors," Fukudome said. "I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years.
I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States."According to reports, it's come down to 2 cities...Chicago and San Diego
Giants interested in Fukudome, Rowand
According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, the Giants have talked about making a late push for Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome and would consider offering a 4-year $44M deal.
The Giants could also make a run at another free agent center fielder in Aaron Rowand and could possibly offer him a 5-year deal.
Fukudome says he's coming to MLB
12.11.07 9:40am PST
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Cubs could be willing to offer as much as $50M over 3 years for Fukudome, which seems like a lot of money for a guy that's never played 1 game in major league baseball.
Also, a new development with Fukudome, apparently he's asked for a 5-year deal, which is contrary to the "3-year deal only" we've been hearing through this whole thing.
12.11.07 7:41am PST
I think we can finally say it's official, especially since it came from Fukudome himself. "I won't be playing for a Japanese club next season, I'll play in the majors," Fukudome said. "I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years. I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States."
According to reports, it's come down to 2 cities...Chicago and San Diego
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Cubs could be willing to offer as much as $50M over 3 years for Fukudome, which seems like a lot of money for a guy that's never played 1 game in major league baseball.
Also, a new development with Fukudome, apparently he's asked for a 5-year deal, which is contrary to the "3-year deal only" we've been hearing through this whole thing.
12.11.07 7:41am PST
I think we can finally say it's official, especially since it came from Fukudome himself. "I won't be playing for a Japanese club next season, I'll play in the majors," Fukudome said. "I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years. I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States."
According to reports, it's come down to 2 cities...Chicago and San Diego
Monday, December 10, 2007
Fukudome still undecided
12.10.07 8:33pm PST
At this point, noone knows that is going on with Fukudome. Two different reports had come out between Friday and Sunday saying he will come to the US, now his agent has told the Chicago Sun-Times that Fukudome will meet with 3 other Japanese teams that showed interest.
``Once he makes the decision, he has — but for maybe some final points — offers from clubs that we can then talk about,’’ Urbon said. ``And then he’ll take a reasonable amount of time and maybe ask some reasonable questions. Assuming he’s coming, that might take another day.’’
None of the MLB teams, that have offers on the table, could hear anything until the end of this week. Both the Cubs and Padres have put any other moves on hold until a decision has been made.
12.10.07 1233pm PST
Ok, I officially don't know which report to believe. It was reported on Saturday that Fukudome had made the decision to make the jump to MLB, but now according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Fukudome has still yet to make the decision to leave Japan.
According to Fukudome's agent, Joe Urbon, the Japanese free agent oufielder will make his final decision some time tonight.
12.8.07 11:03pm PST
Ok, this time it's for real. Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has told the Yomiuri Giants that he will sign with an MLB club.
12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said."If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest.
The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
At this point, noone knows that is going on with Fukudome. Two different reports had come out between Friday and Sunday saying he will come to the US, now his agent has told the Chicago Sun-Times that Fukudome will meet with 3 other Japanese teams that showed interest.
``Once he makes the decision, he has — but for maybe some final points — offers from clubs that we can then talk about,’’ Urbon said. ``And then he’ll take a reasonable amount of time and maybe ask some reasonable questions. Assuming he’s coming, that might take another day.’’
None of the MLB teams, that have offers on the table, could hear anything until the end of this week. Both the Cubs and Padres have put any other moves on hold until a decision has been made.
12.10.07 1233pm PST
Ok, I officially don't know which report to believe. It was reported on Saturday that Fukudome had made the decision to make the jump to MLB, but now according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Fukudome has still yet to make the decision to leave Japan.
According to Fukudome's agent, Joe Urbon, the Japanese free agent oufielder will make his final decision some time tonight.
12.8.07 11:03pm PST
Ok, this time it's for real. Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has told the Yomiuri Giants that he will sign with an MLB club.
12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said."If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest.
The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Bradley signs with Rangers
12.9.07 8:50am PST
According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the Rangers have come to terms with free agent outfielder Milton Bradley on a 1-year $5M deal.
On a side note, if Japanese free agent oufielder Kosuke Fukudome signs with the Padres, look for Mike Cameron to also sign with Texas to be their center fielder.
12.7.07 7:49pm PST
According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Milton Bradley has informed the Padres that he needs more time to decide whether he'll accept the 1-year $4M deal he's been offered. He also has an offer on the table from the Texas Rangers for their DH job.
According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Milton Bradley has informed the Padres that he needs more time to decide whether he'll accept the 1-year $4M deal he's been offered. He also has an offer on the table from the Texas Rangers for their DH job.
12.6.07 1:49pm PST
The San Diego Padres have brought back one of the most volatile players to wear a Padre uniform. The team is close to signing outfielder Milton Bradley to a 1-year deal that is reportedly worth $4M.
The San Diego Padres have brought back one of the most volatile players to wear a Padre uniform. The team is close to signing outfielder Milton Bradley to a 1-year deal that is reportedly worth $4M.
The agent for Bradley says the outfielder should be ready for Opening Day after having ACL surgery on his right knee.
Fukudome makes the jump official
12.8.07 11:03pm PST
Ok, this time it's for real. Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has told the Yomiuri Giants that he will sign with an MLB club.
12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.
I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest.
The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Ok, this time it's for real. Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has told the Yomiuri Giants that he will sign with an MLB club.
12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.
I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest.
The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Cubs could use Angels' Figgins as Plan B
If the Chicago Cubs lose out on the bidding for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, they could turn to Angels outfielder Chone Figgins, should the Angels make him available.
Rangers' Otsuka recommends Padres to Fukudome?
12.8.07 9:48am PST
According to Jamey Newberg's "Newberg Report", Texas Ranger reliever and former Padre Akinori Otsuka, recommended the San Diego Padres to Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, even though the Rangers are also after his services....OUCH!
12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
According to Jamey Newberg's "Newberg Report", Texas Ranger reliever and former Padre Akinori Otsuka, recommended the San Diego Padres to Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, even though the Rangers are also after his services....OUCH!
12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Fukudome to make decision on MLB on Monday
12.7.07 10:12pm PST
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.
I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Apparently, earlier reports that Fukudome had made his decision to make the jump to MLB was incorrect, that according to his agent Joe Urbon.
"He's not going to decide until Tuesday, or Monday our time," Urbon said. "If he had made that decision, you would have seen it out of Japan by now."
"That would be culturally very disrespectful to make that decision," Urbon said.
I guess Ken Rosenthal isn't right every time after all.
12.7.07 1:05pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Reds talking to Mike Cameron?
A new team has jumped into the bidding for free agent center fielder Mike Cameron, the Cincinnati Reds. Before the Padres hired new manager Bud Black, they interviewed current Reds manager Dusty Baker, who Mike Cameron strongly recommended and went so far as to say he would like to play for Baker.
The Padres have had talks with Cameron's agent, but they're waiting for a decision from Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome before trying to seriously re-sign Cameron. Though, if they wait too long, they may not have that chance.
Padres sign Shawn Estes
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres have signed veteran left-hander Shawn Estes to a 1-year deal, though the terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
In the same article, Krasovic says the Padres are still waiting for an answer on their contract offers to outfielder Milton Bradley and Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.
Fukudome coming to MLB
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has made it official that he will leave Japan to join a major league team.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Who that team is at this point, noone knows. The Padres and Cubs are said to be neck-and-neck for him, with the White Sox, Rangers and Giants also showing interest. The decision, according to sources, will be made either late Friday or early Saturday.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Padres to give Fukudome big contract?
12.6.07 9:38pm PST
On the Padres side of the Fukudome race, CEO Sandy Alderson was on XX Sports Radio 1090 AM in San Diego this afternoon. When asked about their offer to the Japanese free agent, he said it was one of the biggest offers they've handed out and could be anywhere from the $30M given to Brian Giles and the $52M being given to Jake Peavy.
12.6.07 2:08pm PST
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are neck-and-neck in the race for Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome. He says the Cubs could we willing to go as high as $14M - $15M a year for the free agent. If Fukudome wants to play on the West coast, and why wouldn't you, he could take less money to play for the Padres.
Kevin Towers and the rest of the Padres brass have departed Nashville but still could make some big moves prior to Spring Training, especially if they land Fukudome. If they do, the Padres will end their negotiations for Mike Cameron.
How high are the Cubs willing to go for Fukudome?
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are neck-and-neck in the race for Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome. He says the Cubs could we willing to go as high as $14M - $15M a year for the free agent. If Fukudome wants to play on the West coast, and why wouldn't you, he could take less money to play for the Padres.
Kevin Towers and the rest of the Padres brass have departed Nashville but still could make some big moves prior to Spring Training, especially if they land Fukudome. If they do, the Padres will end their negotiations for Mike Cameron.
Kevin Towers and the rest of the Padres brass have departed Nashville but still could make some big moves prior to Spring Training, especially if they land Fukudome. If they do, the Padres will end their negotiations for Mike Cameron.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Padres Update
12.4.07 9:40pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres and Astros are unable to come to an agreement on a trade for Luke Scott.
In the same article, the Padres are negotiating with the agents for Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Cameron, but I don't think they will be able to sign both.
12.4.07 7:31PM PST
A couple of updates on what the Padres are doing....
Buster Olney reports that the Padres and Astros are talking about a deal that would send Luke Scott to San Diego, but no report on what San Diego would send to Houston.
The Padres have talked to free agent pitchers Shawn Estes and Glendon Rusch and are expected to sign both after the Rule 5 draft.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres and Astros are unable to come to an agreement on a trade for Luke Scott.
In the same article, the Padres are negotiating with the agents for Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Cameron, but I don't think they will be able to sign both.
12.4.07 7:31PM PST
A couple of updates on what the Padres are doing....
Buster Olney reports that the Padres and Astros are talking about a deal that would send Luke Scott to San Diego, but no report on what San Diego would send to Houston.
The Padres have talked to free agent pitchers Shawn Estes and Glendon Rusch and are expected to sign both after the Rule 5 draft.
Padres make preliminary offer to Fukudome
According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the Padres made a preliminary offer to Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. The deal is rumored to be in the 3-year $24M range, though they could be flexible on money as the days go on.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Kosuke Fukudome Rumors
12.3.07 9:35pm PST
MLB.com's Corey Brock was in the suite for the San Diego Padres and talked to GM Kevin Towers. Towers confirmed the Padres interest in Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, but also said that by the time the Padres' caravan leaves the Winter Meetings on Thursday, that they could have an outfielder signed. Could that mean the Padres are close to a deal with Fukudome? One problem, he hasn't said whether he will make the jump to the Major League or accept a 4-year $20M deal from the Tokyo Giants.
12.3.07 8:05pm PST
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that the San Diego Padres have become serious players for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. If the Padres land him, they could consider him a replacement for their CF'er last season, Mike Cameron.
Also, there's talks that if the Padres land Fukudome, they could also make a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals for center fielder Jim Edmonds, allowing them to move Fukudome to left field.
Giants have 4-year offer out to Fukudome
According to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, the San Francisco Giants have submitted a 4-year offer to Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.
This is the first official contract offer that I've heard of, I know there are several other teams interested including the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers, but there has been no mention of offers from any of those 3 teams.
This is the first official contract offer that I've heard of, I know there are several other teams interested including the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers, but there has been no mention of offers from any of those 3 teams.
Padres serious players for Fukudome?
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that the San Diego Padres have become serious players for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. If the Padres land him, they could consider him a replacement for their CF'er last season, Mike Cameron.
Also, there's talks that if the Padres land Fukudome, they could also make a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals for center fielder Jim Edmonds, allowing them to move Fukudome to left field.
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