Please see the following information from the Tribune website:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-07-cubs-gm-meetings-chicagonov07,0,7843897.story
Call if the Fukudome Funk.
Whatever caused Kosuke Fukudome to go from phenom to failure, all in his first major-league season, has put the Cubs in an obvious quandary.
With manager Lou Piniella insisting on more pop from the left side of the plate and with Fukudome still unproven, the Cubs made no secret about their desire for another right fielder at the just-concluded general managers meetings.
The Kosuke Crash has cooled the Cubs confidence that he will be an every-day player. Right now, he is probably a platoon center fielder, meaning the Cubs have to spend more money to protect themselves. That will make GM Jim Hendry's job even more difficult.
While Hendry tries to put a positive spin on things, it's obvious the Cubs don't know whether Fukudome is the All-Star player who hit .296 through June or the benched bust who hit .207 from July on.
"I told him we had a lot of faith in him coming back and being good, but that we're in a position where we're going to have to add something to the club and possibly in the outfield," Hendry said. "He understood that.
"Hopefully we can put a better club on the field than when we were eliminated [from the playoffs]. He understands that. And I think he knows he has to play like he did the first half."
It still isn't clear whether Hendry will go for a big-name bat or just a cheaper one who could play full-time if necessary. And there are other questions about left-handed hitters to be answered, according to Hendry.
"Is [Micah] Hoffpauir going to take the next step forward and be able to help? Is Fukudome going to be more like the first half than the second? You have to factor that all in," Hendry said. "You would love to find a way to get [ Mike] Fontenot more at-bats, because he played awfully well. He's a guy who had a terrific year without a lot of publicity and not in an easy situation. So there's three lefties right there.
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"But we would like to add somebody. We've gone through [internal scouting] reports. You look at outfielders who might fit with the group coming back. You look at whether a free agent would be easier, but if Fukudome comes back, do you want to get a guy who ... there are so many different ways. There are a lot of different ways to go."
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Part of the Fukudome problem is his contract. The Cubs will not be crazy about paying a soon-to-be 32-year-old $38 million for the next three years as a bench player.
One executive with another team firmly believes Fukudome has talent, but said he would not recommend a trade for him with that much money still owed.
A well-placed source said the Cubs had received "more than one" trade inquiry about Fukudome, meaning other teams believe in his talent.
While no one has figured out the answer(s) to the why of the Fukudome Funk, the Cubs are hoping it was only temporary. They will hire a new interpreter for him this year, apparently willing to try anything to get his sagging confidence back.
"I think he's a real proud man," Hendry said. "I'm sure he didn't feel good about the way it ended. We can't forget how good he played. We were all giving him credit for making everybody better. And the on-base percentage seemed to help every body. And he played great, great defense [all year].
"It's not like he doesn't have bat speed or he's getting old or the league adjusted to him. He just got in a funk that really is hard to describe. I think he'll be on a mission to be good again."
**please see the quote I put in asterisks...That is a pretty damning statement (as far as Fukudome is concerned) . It appears as though the Cubs have fielded calls about him. I believe they'll wait until they find out who they have to give up for Peavy---and if they go that route to begin with anyway----then, they'll move to other areas of concern like Fukudome.
You would have to figure that if the Cubs get Peavy in a trade, AND sign Dempster and Wood, then one or all of Fukudome, Marquis, and Lee will have to be traded to save over $35 million for next year. Sure, Peavy, Wood, and Dempster would negate any savings, but it also wouldn't break our budget either, and allow us to add a significant offensive weapon.
I can't remember who said it on another post, but pitching was NOT the problem the past two years. Hitting was. I would think young next year, and try for Dunn in the OF, and make a play for Crawford if you can't sign Furcal.
We need a table-setter, and we need a significant power threat, and we'll be set.
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Aaron, when I read the article from the Trib, I will have to admit I was shocked they have received calls about him.
I am reading Dunn possibly to the Nationals and if Furcal does not resign with the Dodgers (rumors, 2 years worth $25-30 million) that the A's and Giants are interested.
Yeah, I saw that too, because of his relationship with Bowden. Additionally, I saw that about Furcal too.
Personally, I don't think Dunn would fit with the Nationals, and he might not be interested in playing for a team that's going nowhere. As for Furcal, I don't see him signing with the A's or Giants for the same reason---they won't be competitive next year.
What do you think about Dunn anyway Neil? I haven't heard you comment much on him. Look, I know his K's are high, and his average is about .250, but he's also played on HORRIBLE teams. Don't you wonder what he might accomplish with someone like ARAM hitting behind him? Additionally, though Abreu is older, his OBP is huge. Wouldn't be wise to at least consider him.
Ibanez is the only other OF name I've been hearing linked to the Cubs. Is this really the guy we want? He's essentially the lefty version of Soriano, but not as fast. He started breaking out at age 30----and before that was almost comparable to Pie. I think if anything, this guy will start a decline next year. It'd be incredibly unwise to sign him to a multi-year deal when he's turning 37, unless his name is Manny Ramirez.
I mean, I've scoured everywhere, and about the only consistent offensive links I've seen to the Cubs are Roberts and Ibanez----not exactly what we need.
We need a .370+ OBP guy, preferably left-handed, and a lead-off hitter. I understand Roberts meets the lead-off description, but at what cost? And does he want to leave anyway? And in both their cases, Roberts and Ibanez would be leaving the hitter-friendly AL, for the pitcher-friendly NL---also a big concern. Very few guys like Manny, and perhaps Teixeira, excel in both leagues. Also, with Roberts, I'm not quite sure Angelos would ever let him go for less than our top 5 prospects, and that's no joke. The guy INCREDIBLY over-values his players, plus, MacFAILED would surely make Hendry a sucker in any trade.
Have you heard of any other consistent offensive rumors? I've heard of guys like Hudson in the past, but just once.
Aaron, sorry for the delay in resonding to your comment....long couple of days.
On Dunn, sorry man. Just not a fan. I think his defense is horrible and will be worse with the Cubs. I cannot imagine how many 'extra hits' the pitching staff would be credited with next season if Soriano is in left and Dunn is in right.
Second, I have read and heard radio reports that have suggested Dunn is not a good teammate. I will try to find a link for you.
The Reds were very happy to see him leave and so were the fans. I think his nickname is the 'Big Donkey' and I wonder, if that is true, if that is a kind way of calling him something else.
On the other offensive rumors.....just what I have posted. I think Soriano will not be leading off next season, but they need to find a replacement that is a better option in Soriano's eyes. Furcal appears to be the best option right now still in the mill.
I have to say, I'd like to believe it was a very bad funk for Fukudome. We were all on his bandwagon every last fan at the start. We all remember how much we loved the guy on opening day when he ripped the game tying three run homer.
Yeah he slumped....and badly. Looked like crap swiging most of the second half. BUT....after starting the way he did, I think it's fair to give him another shot.
If the Cubs have indeed fielded calls....I certainly would listen to offers...if a team wants to take on his salary...awesome....or if they want to swap a big contract...who is being offered?
If the Nationals are close to signing Dunn....I hope it happens...so we can put that wish of some fans to bed....