Chi Dynasty12 wrote:i sorta want this guy, but i'd rather get some legit pitching. are we getting him?
The agent for Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome said today he doesn
The Cubs could find out as early as this morning that Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome will play in the United States in 2008, and a multiyear deal could follow within 24 hours if the team maintains its front-runner status in the four-team pursuit of the star outfielder.
Fukudome's U.S.-based agent, Joe Urbon, said Monday that he expected to hear from his client about his intentions to play in the major leagues late Monday night, but Urbon did not expect to contact any stateside suitors until this morning.
Such an announcement would come only after Fukudome spent face-to-face time with the three Japanese teams that had made offers early in the process. With a 15-hour time difference between Central and Japanese time, those meetings were to happen late Monday (Tuesday morning in Japan).
The Cubs had been in contact with Urbon on Monday but had not been told as of Monday night about a decision by Fukudome, despite numerous reports on both sides of the Pacific that a decision had been made.
''Once he makes the decision, he has -- but for maybe some final points -- offers from clubs that we can then talk about,'' Urbon said. ''And then he'll take a reasonable amount of time and maybe ask some reasonable questions. Assuming he's coming, that might take another day.''
NAGOYA, Japan (AP) - Japanese free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome will not return to the Chunichi Dragons next season, saying he wants to make a move to the major leagues, local media reported.
Fukudome informed the Central League club of his decision Tuesday, informing Chunichi officials it was his wish to play in the major
NAGOYA, Japan -- Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome told the Chunichi Dragons he will not return next season, saying he wants to make a move to the major leagues.
Fukudome, who became a free agent last month, informed the Central League club of his decision Tuesday.
"I won't be playing for a Japanese club next season, I'll play in the majors," Fukudome said. "I appreciate the fans who supported me for nine years. I hope that the fans continue to root for me when they see me playing in the United States."
Fukudome is regarded as one of the best outfielders in Japanese professional baseball. The 30-year-old was a key member of the Japan team that won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March 2006.
Bruce Miles wrote:Apparently all offers are in, and Cubs are awaiting word like everybody else. The way these things go, there could be some last-minute negotiating and going back and forth. I believe the Cubs will top all offers monetarily. Then, it will depend on where the player feels most comfortable.
