Fukudome to MLB

by pblack on Dec 7, 2007 2:47 PM CST

Fox sports is saying that he is on his way and lists the Cubs and Padres as favorites to sign him. They say his price is 3 years at upward of 10 million per. I think for the Rangers to have any chance they would have to go somewhere around 3/45 to get him. Would you do that? I think I might, but it would be a huge gamble on a Japanese player who was injured last season and is 31 years old.

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How did we fall off?

Are we no longer interested?

I thought 3/40 was respectable, but I definitely wouldn't offer 3/45.

T.R. -- enough is enough.

by inactive lsb user on Dec 7, 2007 2:32 PM CST reply actions

40 mil is okay

but 45 is not? Why not go the extra 5 mil?

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2007 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

because Ms. Irwin would much...

rather "accept losing".

" The kids at school will make fun of me if you're a Ranger. They're terrible!" Torii Hunters son

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 7, 2007 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

Why would you

sign him for 13.33M/yr but not 15M/yr?

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws. ~Rick Wise, 1974

by RangerMad on Dec 7, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

Because 40 mil is overpaying as it is

From what I understand, we were going to have to overpay to begin with to get him to consider a rebuilding team that is not on a coast, without a Japanese base.

$40M would likely be well above market value as it is, $45M to a non-elite player is just too much, considering we have Millwood ($12M/yr) and Padilla ($11.25M/yr with '10 option of $12M) and Young's $16M kicking in starting in '09, already on the books.

Would you sign him for 45M?

T.R. -- enough is enough.

by inactive lsb user on Dec 7, 2007 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

Fuck you dome

From what I understand, we were going to have to overpay to begin with to get him to consider a rebuilding team that is not on a coast, without a Japanese base.

That may be true but if it is, it's odd that the Royals are being reported as being one of the frontrunners for him.

by Brian Hayes on Dec 7, 2007 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

Perhaps my geography is off...

but I don't believe Chicago is on a coast either.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 7, 2007 4:00 PM CST up reply actions

Cute comment

but it's not my opinion, just paraphrased reading, really. Besides, I'm not sure how it is being determined that "so and so" is the front runner. I've heard Padres, Rangers, Giants, Cubs, and Royals.

"The Padres have offered Fukudome, 30, a four-year contract while the Cubs are waiting for confirmation that he is indeed coming to the U.S."

http://sportstwo.com/Story/View/MLB/GENERAL/13781

T.R. -- enough is enough.

by inactive lsb user on Dec 7, 2007 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

Padres

hope they know that Kofu is looking for a 3 year contract not a 4...

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2007 4:41 PM CST up reply actions

I know it wasn't your opinion...

I just find it odd that the Cubs are seen by many to be the favorites to land Fuku. Then they say that he would like to play on a coast and someone like the Rangers would have to overpay to get him.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 7, 2007 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

Are the Cubs rebuilding, though?

Nope. They're not.

The Cubs should challenge for a playoff spot. The Rangers likely won't. That's the difference there.

Dwyade once challenged God to a game of 1-on-1, only to realize that not even God can play 1-on-1 against Himself.

by thedirkatron on Dec 7, 2007 9:33 PM CST up reply actions

Not really

if you know who their manager is...

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2007 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

eh

I'd be fine with 3/45. It's overpaying, but we haven't handed out any big contracts this offseason, and with Tex off the books, heaven knows we can afford it. That kind of deal might not be worth it, but it would improve the outfield without crippling the franchise. I'd be much happier with that than what the Rangers offered to Hunter.

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Dec 7, 2007 6:07 PM CST up reply actions

No Fuku

"I've learned that before I open my mouth, I should look both ways for midgets." - Denny Crain

by mtex on Dec 7, 2007 2:36 PM CST reply actions

Watch your mouth

This is a family website.

"He says we're going the wrong way." "Oh, he's drunk. How would he know where we're going?" "Yeah. How would he know?"

by WyoRanger on Dec 7, 2007 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

Is it really a family website?

Then I'd like to see more of the Lima Family please...

"I've learned that before I open my mouth, I should look both ways for midgets." - Denny Crain

by mtex on Dec 7, 2007 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

As in Jose?

by Spoorts!! on Dec 7, 2007 6:35 PM CST up reply actions

I'm hoping we're talking MRS. LIMA.....

by tklawless on Dec 8, 2007 9:00 AM CST up reply actions

si

"I've learned that before I open my mouth, I should look both ways for midgets." - Denny Crain

by mtex on Dec 8, 2007 5:42 PM CST up reply actions

Also

when did 31 become old?

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2007 2:45 PM CST reply actions

Rangers should be up there

i wonder if colborn is telling them not to go higher

by ab03 on Dec 7, 2007 2:46 PM CST reply actions

So Taguchi

He has been released by the Cardinals, so sign him to a short term deal instead. .290 hitter last season with a .350 OBP. He's old at 38, but he can play centerfield and appears to be the Japanese version of Kenny Lofton.

by doolindalton on Dec 7, 2007 2:56 PM CST reply actions

that would be terrible

taguchi is worse that byrd/murphy/etc.

that .290/.350 was extremely empty, and benefited from being platooned, he cant hit righties. he is not a starter.

by DShep on Dec 7, 2007 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

So Taguchi

Platoon him with Murphy.

by doolindalton on Dec 7, 2007 3:35 PM CST up reply actions

what can Taguchi do that Byrd can't?

besides be a lot older and more Japanese?

by Brian Hayes on Dec 9, 2007 2:33 AM CST up reply actions

Im concerned that the rangers havnt been mentioned

all week.

Look, if the cubs, a competitor, go crazy and give him 3/45 or more(requiring the rangers to go higher than that), then ok.. fine, pass if you must.

But if he is open to signing with the rangers and 3/35 to 3/40 can get him, I think they need to just get it done.

a) You need a OF
b) Doesnt require draft picks
c) Obviously doesnt require any prospects from trade
d) Not a particularly long term contract
e) Lefty, always good for arlington.

the only other free agents the rangers appear to be serious with are terrible 1bs that are probably worse than shelton/cat, so no harm in striking them off the list to save a little money if you need to.... and relievers. Gagne isnt looking at anymore than a 2 year contract maybe just 1, so theres no other even 3 year contracts being tied up this offseason so i dont think fukudome would effect any long term financials.

although id expect the same people who didnt want jones on a 2 year deal to not want fukudome on a 3 year deal. although i guess fukudome probably wont require a no trade.

by DShep on Dec 7, 2007 3:19 PM CST reply actions

+1

and nobody is factoring in that most Japanese hitters are pretty good when they get over here.
Kaz Matsui was dissappointing but he hasn't been putrid.

I'm all for overpaying for Fuku, only a three year contract too, so its not like we'll be handicapped long term.

Put Mayberry Jr. back at First Base.

by Jukebox Joe on Dec 7, 2007 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

Next diary on Fuku...

will be when he signs with the Cubs. I think that is where he ends up. I would love to see the Rangers get him for 3/40 though.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 7, 2007 3:23 PM CST reply actions

3/45 do it

We've got the money back from A-rod's opt-out, so you could sell it to the owner that it is really a 3/20 deal.

by mattrpav on Dec 7, 2007 3:31 PM CST reply actions

3/$45M for Fukyou, .....

but nobody wanted to go 4/$60 for AJones?

Explain, please!

by tklawless on Dec 7, 2007 3:36 PM CST reply actions

well, i wanted to =p

by DShep on Dec 7, 2007 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

Fukudome

Career OBP of .397, if I am not mistaken, +defense in RF, not coming of a .222 season, not getting fat...And Jones wouldn't have taken a two year contract from the Rangers anyway, it would have taken at least 3 and probably 4 to switch leagues, so its not like it was an either/or.

Fire Ron Washington

by pblack on Dec 7, 2007 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

4/$60M would probably have done it

he said no to a 2 year deal and changing leagues. Just wondering why $15M is OK for a guy who has been above average (admittedly) vs. Japanese....but a 10 time MAJOR LEAGUE All-Star & Gold Glove winner, it's too much?

BTW, AJones is 3 days older.

by tklawless on Dec 7, 2007 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

Got to admit

Hadn't really thought about this angle, Fuku v Jones.

Great point...

by hightowersmith on Dec 7, 2007 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

good call

letting Jones walk is going to come back to haunt us if we pay 15 mil a year for Fuk or anybody else

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Dec 7, 2007 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not anti-Fuku......

I'm pro-Ranger's! Just trying to understand the logic. I'm for Fuku, if it makes the Ranger's better-quicker....I'd have been pro-Jones, too.

And I'll admit, I'm not the least bit concerned about Tom Hicks' wallet!

by tklawless on Dec 7, 2007 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

BTW Kudo's on.....

"The Big Lebowski" references....pure genius!

by tklawless on Dec 7, 2007 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

"and a good day to you, sir!"

it's one of my favorites...

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Dec 8, 2007 5:26 PM CST up reply actions

Career OBP of .397

in Japan.

"On-base percentage is great if you can score runs and do something with that on-base percentage," Baker said. "Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me."

by jparks77 on Dec 7, 2007 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

You're right

It would probably be tough for him to top Andruw's .311 OBP from last season.

Fire Ron Washington

by pblack on Dec 7, 2007 4:07 PM CST up reply actions

I never stated

that he couldn't best Andruw Jones in the OBP department. My point was that I just don't think we can determine how his Japanese success will translate to the majors. I think it is really difficult to accurately compare a major league player with a history of above average performance with a player who has never played in the league.

"On-base percentage is great if you can score runs and do something with that on-base percentage," Baker said. "Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me."

by jparks77 on Dec 7, 2007 4:36 PM CST up reply actions

why is everyone so concerned with cost?

Good grief, it's not your money.

by JB @ Lone Star Ball on Dec 7, 2007 3:41 PM CST reply actions

well, im not brimming in confidence that hicks

will ever push this team to a particularly high payroll unless they make the playoffs or come close.

the 2004 season didnt exactly result in a cashflow of good free agents.

youve got to be a little careful longterm.

which is why the fairly short term contracts of jones (I know they tried) and fukudome at a position we really need an upgrade at are areas where a little overspending would be worth it though.

by DShep on Dec 7, 2007 3:45 PM CST up reply actions

God what a dumb point

You realize you could post this in every. single. thread. about any contract related to the Rangers.

Anyway great analysis, brah.

by hightowersmith on Dec 7, 2007 5:10 PM CST up reply actions

According to San Diego newspapers

Aki has recommended San Diego to Fukudome. Must be the fall allergies and migraines kicking in.

'At Georgia Southern, we don't cheat. That costs money and we don't have any.' Erk Russell / Georgia Southern

by Ed Coffin on Dec 7, 2007 4:50 PM CST reply actions

must be the Gagne talk

"On-base percentage is great if you can score runs and do something with that on-base percentage," Baker said. "Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me."

by jparks77 on Dec 7, 2007 4:52 PM CST up reply actions

i guess

we are truly out of it. otherwise, doesn't really make sense

by ab03 on Dec 7, 2007 4:54 PM CST up reply actions

WTF!??

The Padres hope that reliever Akinori Otsuka's experience with the Padres in 2004-05 will play a role in Fukudome's decision. Urbon represents both players, and they both played for Japan in the World Baseball Classic final at Petco Park in 2006.

That better not be true, or JD has some 'splanin' to do...

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2007 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

wow

that hurts aki.

ok, BGL is closer aki is setup.

by DShep on Dec 7, 2007 5:08 PM CST up reply actions

ouch

Someone pull that knife out of Jon Daniels' back.

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Dec 7, 2007 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

Japanese players

I don't understand why playing on the west coast is given such importance. I would imagine, just like most other major leaguers, that money and the comfort level with the organization would be the major motivators.

There's no time during the regular season to travel back to Japan, so I don't see how being an hour or two closer by plane should make any difference. It's not like Dallas is some country pitstop - we do have Pei Wei.

I think too much is being made of the city.

by Randy Richardson on Dec 7, 2007 6:13 PM CST reply actions

Japanese players

might feel more comfortable playing in cities with larger Japanese populations.

"On-base percentage is great if you can score runs and do something with that on-base percentage," Baker said. "Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me."

by jparks77 on Dec 7, 2007 6:16 PM CST up reply actions

Japanese Players

I understand your point, but I just don't buy it.

by Randy Richardson on Dec 7, 2007 6:21 PM CST up reply actions

I'll wager you've never lived on either coast

Why do you hate freedom?

by Brian Thomas on Dec 8, 2007 6:49 AM CST up reply actions

I do wonder why the...

Giants would not be in on him. They have plenty of room on their payroll now without Bonds and need a OFer pretty bad. Why not keep Lincecum and Cain and sign Fuku. It makes a ton of sense to me, but what do I know. I look for them to be a sleeper with Fuku.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 8, 2007 8:35 AM CST up reply actions

The Giants

have been in on Fuku ..

T.R. -- enough is enough.

by inactive lsb user on Dec 8, 2007 9:51 AM CST up reply actions

Guess I just haven't heard about it...

All I keep hearing are Cubs, Padres, ChiSox, Phillies, Rangers, and the Yomiuri Giants. SF would seem like a nice fit for him though.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 8, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions

east coast, yes

west coast, no.

by Randy Richardson on Dec 8, 2007 9:48 AM CST up reply actions

Aki

probably just told Fuku what San Diego means. You know, whale meat is a delicacy in Asia. Once you find out, how can you not go to San Diego?

Fire Todd Dodge.

by sprite on Dec 7, 2007 6:18 PM CST reply actions

Nice

Once you go whale's vagina, you never go back. Seriously, you never go back. You're Jonah, but in a fishier place.

"He says we're going the wrong way." "Oh, he's drunk. How would he know where we're going?" "Yeah. How would he know?"

by WyoRanger on Dec 7, 2007 6:36 PM CST up reply actions

can anyone....

post Fuku's Japan numbers alongside Jojima, Iwamura, Iguchi, K and H Matsuis?

I'd be interested to see how he compares with those guys. I read somewhere that he's comparable to Iwamura, who once hit 44 HRs in a Japanese league season, I think.

I wouldn't think Iwamura would be a $60/4 type player?

by Brian Hayes on Dec 9, 2007 2:37 AM CST reply actions