On Fukudome, Orton, White Sox, Vick and more

I am very happy about the Kosuke Fukudome signing. Even though there is more work to do, it makes the Cubs a much more dangerous team, both offensively and defensively.

On the offensive side, bringing in guys who take more pitches and have good OBP help to bring up the opposing pitchers pitch count and most teams have weak middle relief pitching. That creates more chances to score later in games.

On the defensive side, Alfonso Soriano has cannon, both Sam Fuld and Felix Pie have strong arms, and if what they say is true, Fukudome has a great arm as well.

This can only help Cub pitchers. Aramis Ramirez, and Derrek Lee are great defenders. Brian Roberts and/or Chone Figgins would add to that if they can pick them up.

Like I said, more work to do but looking good.

Mario Del Sangro

Dyer, Ind.

Fukudome just what the Cubs really need

I like this acquisition. Kosuke Fukudome is exactly the player the Cubs need for their lineup. But this goes far beyond the need for a left-handed hitting right fielder.

I saw his Olympic and WBC games. Fukudome is an all-around solid player. He has plate patience. His ability to work the count and pitch selectivity will mesh well with existing players like Derrek Lee and Mark DeRosa, who saw the most pitches per plate appearance for the Cubs in 2007.

He has good speed and a strong presence on the base paths; he is a smart base runner. He covers the outfield well and reacts well to the ball. His arm is also above average.

His solid OBP will provide Lou with many line-up options in addition to batting left-handed.

While the price was higher than I originally expected… the Cubs had to land him. He fills many needs.

Whether or not the Cubs got value here will not be answered, just like draft picks for a couple years.

Bob Richter

Lake In The Hills

Worth every dollar

Yes, signing Fukudome is a good deal. We've paid more in the past and got less than even what his potential is.

Joe Collins

Las Vegas

Questioning wisdom of outfield for Sox

For all of the geniuses who wanted to bestow the crown of greatest general manager ever on Kenny Williams after the White Sox somehow won the World Series in 2005, I have just one question:

Who would you rather have in your outfield in 2008, Carlos Lee, Aaron Rowand, and Magglio Ordonez, or Josh Fields, Jerry Owens, and Jermaine Dye?

I rest my case.

Al Sommerfeld

Arlington Heights

Lots of confidence with Orton at helm

Kyle Orton will be lights out. What does he have to lose? He may take some shots down the field like normal quarterbacks do. When the pocket collapses, he won't be having a picnic or the "dropsies" like Rex Grossman.

Minnesota has the worst pass defense for a reason. Talk about a confidence builder.

He will have fun out there.

Shawn Anderson

Covington, Tenn.

Vick's sentence should go further

I believe that Michael Vick and all those like him should be sentenced to life working at animal shelters. Helping unfortunate animals would be just payment for their prior cruelty, and shoveling dog poop would be a fitting punishment.

Terry Tallian

Wood Dale

Vick got off easy

After all those lies, Michael Vick better be thankful he got off the hook easy. Vick was the one who financed this bad ring. … These guys are saying the law is weak and it's worth the risk.

Todd Fletcher

Mundelein