Awaiting Word on Fukudome

According to Kosuke Fukudome'a agent, the Japanese outfielder as decided he will definitely play in the majors in 2008. The White Sox were interested, but Fukudome is likely to sign with either the Cubs or the Padres. I would imagine that most Asian players would rather be on the West Coast, which would give San Diego the upper hand. It is also true that of course, when you come across the ocean to play, you'd rather be on a good team, a playoff team.

However, the Cubs are a better team right now than the Padres, who didn't even make the playoffs last year (thank you, Michael Barrett!). Also, Petco is a terrible hitters' park that has crushed the careers of Phil Nevin, Brian Giles, Ryan Klesko, and others. Have you noticed how many hitters have gone to Petco to stop hitting? I hope the Cubs will scare Fukudome out of considering the Padres.

Also, we still owe them one from 1984. No, Fukudome wouldn't be payback by himself. Unless, of course, we face the Padres in the NLCS and he pulls a Steve Garvey to put us in the series. At that point, I'm ok with it if we lose, so long as it's to the Tigers. But you know, they were our opponents last time they won. Ty Cobb can't help them now, either!!