Cubs will move fast once Fukudome decides
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry continued to play a respectful waiting game Sunday, but people around major-league baseball expect fast action this week on Kosuke Fukudome.
The Japanese outfield star is in the process of declaring that he is leaving his home country to play in the major leagues beginning in 2008.
The Cubs are expected to be the high bidder for Fukudome as the parent Tribune Co. goes out with a bang in its final throes of ownership before it sells the ballclub.
The White Sox, San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants also are expected to inquire about Fukudome, who may pick a U.S. team as early as the first part of this week.
Hendry did not wish to comment Sunday, saying he is trying to respect the protocol that accompanies a Japanese player leaving his team and country.
Joe Urbon, Fukudome's U.S.-based agent, did not immediately return a phone call to him Sunday night.
Fukudome has played for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League, and according to reports out of Japan, the (Tokyo) Yomiuri Giants have dropped out of consideration for Fukudome.
The Cubs have made no secret of their desire for a left-handed hitting outfielder, and Fukudome brings power, on-base ability, strong defense and fundamentally sound play to the table.
After shocking the baseball world last season by giving outfielder Alfonso Soriano an eight-year, $136 million contract, the Cubs appear prepared to outbid all major-league teams for Fukudome. A five-year offer, worth between $12 million and $15 million per season isn't out of the question.
The 30-year-old Fukudome underwent surgery to remove fragments from his right elbow this year. In 81 games, he batted .294 with 13 home runs and an on-base percentage of .443.
The Cubs are a right-handed heavy team from an offensive standpoint, with Derrek Lee anchoring first base and Aramis Ramirez third base.
If the Cubs can throw enough money at Fukudome and can convince him that Chicago is the right place for him, they can go with a 3-4-5 trio of Lee, Ramirez and Fukudome at the heart of their batting order.
The other player on the Cubs' radar is Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts, who would give them another high-OBP player at the top of the lineup.
If the Cubs can sign Fukudome and trade for Roberts, they can use the versatile Mark DeRosa in a "super" utility role, playing him at all four infield spots and at the outfield corners when one of the regulars is injured or needs a rest.
During last week's winter meetings, Hendry said he would be comfortable with DeRosa as the everyday second baseman if Hendry is not successful in obtaining Roberts.