Kosuke Fukudome

by supernova on Jul 18, 2007 12:45 AM EDT

Although I think there's no chance the Cardinals would go after him, it would be a good move in my opinion. He's a very good outfielder with a good bat, and although it is hard to say how Japanese players will translate to the MLB, several position players recently have done well.

I believe he doesn't need to go through the posting process either, so that's much less money the team would have to spend. Plus, a star Japanese player on the team (So Taguchi was never much of a star in Japan...) would bring in a lot of revenue for the Cardinals.

I think it makes a lot of sense to go after Fukudome this offseason. However, other than Taguchi who was basically off the radar, the Cardinals have never seemed very active going after international players. I always thought guys like Iguchi and Iwamura would have filled holes for this team. They didn't sign for exorbitant amounts of money either, and yet, the Cards never seem to even show any interest at all.

Thoughts?

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yeah

mikedallas and I had a very brief conversation about this in the "What Walt can and can't do" thread.

If we were able to give up both JEnc and Looper this deadline for some prospects (and assuming we didn't have to pay the rest of their salaries) we could probably afford it.

Obviously, I'd need to hear more about him before I'm completely sold, but I definitely feel the move would be an upgrade. Think of it this way. In our current line-up, Kosuke would be replacing JEnc while Mulder would be replacing Looper. Those are both upgrades in my opinion, and the money would come close to evening out. Plus, we'd be getting a couple of prospects at the trade deadline (even if they're not grade-A).

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 18, 2007 1:23 AM EDT reply actions

Here's an article on my new man-crush

Subscription only unfortunately, but here's a snippet:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6461

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At the plate, Fukudome holds a quiet bat, cocked initially at a little more than 45 degrees behind his head. His feet are set apart just a hair wider than shoulder width, and he appears to be standing completely upright. As the pitch is delivered, Fukudome drops down, knees slightly bent, and his front foot raises off the ground as a timing mechanism. His hands go back and the bat wraps briefly behind his head, partially exposing the number on his back, before he drives his hips and whips the bat through the zone. His hands are quick and he handles the inside pitch very well. As I've watched Kosuke over the years, the few weaknesses I've noticed come against soft throwers, who like to go away, or down and away, against Fukudome. He'll chase high and inside on occasion, but looks worst when flailing at an offspeed pitch tailing low and outside.
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Also from the article: he's a line-drive hitter who set the Central league record for doubles in a season last year with 47. He is rated as a solid defensive RF with a powerful, accurate arm. He originally started as a shortstop but didn't have the lateral quickness to stick there, but once he gets going he has plenty of speed for an outfield corner.

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 18, 2007 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Also

Forgot to add that any revenue on any Fukudome jerseys, t-shirts, etc. sold overseas would be split between all MLB teams equally, so revenue added by signing this guy may not be as much as you expect. Any of his stuff sold at the ballpark would be the team's to keep, of course.

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 18, 2007 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Well

considering his weakness is soft-tossers, he'd fit right in.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 18, 2007 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Zing!

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 18, 2007 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

FUKODOME!

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 18, 2007 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

They'd get $250 dollars from me

if they signed him. That's a jersey I simply must have. FUKUDOME!

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 18, 2007 1:47 AM EDT reply actions

That would be a sweet jersey

all the mispronunciations and applications of fu-ku aside.

Future Redbirds

by azruavatar on Jul 18, 2007 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions

With him, I'd instead

opt for a custom made T-shirt, featuring Mel Gibson's face superimposed on a pitcher, Fukodome at bat, and the caption:

MAD MAX BEYOND FUKODOME

by Valatan on Jul 18, 2007 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Stats

Here are his stats.

Does anybody have 2007 stats or projections for a 2008 MLB season? I am guessing at least ~.290/.390/.510

BTW, at least earlier this year,the Red Sox were interested in this guy, which means unless he has a great friendship with Taguchi or an irrational love of the midwest, the Cardinals will not be in the running.

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Jul 18, 2007 7:16 AM EDT reply actions