Fukudome is Here!

I have cheered on the Cubs' attempts to bring Kosuke Fukudome to the Cubs, and those efforts have not been for nothing; he was signed to a 4-year, $48 million-dollar contract last night. The Cubs have their right fielder, left-handed bat, and selective pitch-count working hitter all rolled into one.

There are two potential downsides, which I feel will not turn out to be important (at least, not according to my crystal ball). One is Fukudome's elbow; he missed half the season last year in Japan. The other is the difference between the Japanese league and the major leagues; it is not likely that Fukudome can seriously hit 30 homers here, especially since lefty hitters do not benefit from a short power alley in Wrigley as do right-handed hitters.

But with the success of Japanese players like Ichiro, who was known for being a .300 hitter at home, and kept on rolling when he got to Seattle, I expect that Fukudome CAN hit .300 here, since he did it consistently in Japan. Hitting is a skill that translates leagues well, though it is clear home runs are easier to get in Japan (I hear the ballparks are smaller). Fukudome was also the center fielder for Japan during the 1996 World Baseball Classic.

So what would it take for Fukudome to earn his $12 million annually, if he doesn't get to 30 homers? Part of his contribution will show up in the stats of his teammates; Lee and Ramirez will bat behind him, and will especially benefit from Fukudome's count-working, and will get extra RBIs on their homers when Fukudome walks or singles. As the new guy, Fukudome will occupy attention in the media and of the fans. This is good for Felix Pie; if the outfield hits a ton as now it might, Pie only needs to patrol center well and make some strides forward as a hitter. He doesn't have to bat in the top of the lineup, and he won't be the primary left-handed bat.

The Cubs' lineup was too right-handed before this move, and now that has changed a great deal. Against tough right-handed pitchers, the Cubs can play Mike Fontenot at second to add one more lefty.

Fukudome will probably hit .300, though with the league adjustment and all-new pitchers to learn, he may not provide much power. That's ok, because the Cubs have plenty without needing him to provide it, with Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez. This left-handed bat is a key part of the Cubs' drive to win the division.

The lineup as I assume it stands today:

LF Soriano
SS Theriot
RF Fukudome
1b Lee
3b Ramirez
2b DeRosa/Fontenot
CF Pie
C Soto

I am pretty sure about the first five, though the sequence of the last three may not be decided until spring training.

And one more thing: the Astros acquired Miguel Tejada today, meaning it is all the more important that the Cubs improved their own team. Well done, Jim Hendry.