San Diego Union-Tribune - The Padres have intensified its pursuit of Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, 30, who will sign with an American club if he turns down Japan's Yomiuri Giants. An NL executive said the Padres and the Cubs are
Brian Fuentes has indicated to the Rockies that he'd prefer to pitch for a team that would use him as a closer.
It'd help his value as he enters his walk year. The Rockies were planning to offer Fuentes an extension this winter, but if they're convinced he'd rather pitch elsewhere, they could trade him. The Tigers wanted him before re-signing Todd Jones and may yet have some interest in him, though he'd be a setup man there now. The Brewers, who have Chris Capuano or another starting pitcher to offer, are a logical suitor, and the Cubs are always looking for bullpen help. The Rockies are thought to be interested in Will Ohman and they might like Ryan Theriot if the Cubs pick up a shortstop in another deal.
The Padres are pursuing Kosuke Fukudome with the idea that he could handle center field in Petco, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Seems like a stretch, as most teams in smaller ballparks are viewing him as a corner outfielder. If Fukudome could handle center, his bat could make him as $13 million-$15 million per year player. The Giants, Cubs and White Sox are also believed to be interested, though it's unclear if the White Sox are still targeting him after picking up Carlos Quentin.
What else am I hearing? That Japanese outfielder Kosume Fukodome is almost certainly going to sign with the Chicago Cubs, so forget about a Raul Ibanez deal to Chicago. Was never a realistic scenario once Fukodome got on the radar.
* The Cubs have talked to the Royals about Mark Teahen; the Royals like Matt Murton.
* Levine says there's nothing to the Hamiton rumors.
Posey H8er wrote:Lots of rumors out there. Supposedly we are interested in Erik Bedard too.
SportsWorld wrote:Rotowire:The Padres have reportedly offered Kosuke Fukudome a three-year deal.
MLB.com believes it could be worth $8 million per year. Fukudome is believed to be insisting on a three-year deal, no more and no less. The Padres would have room for both him and Luke Scott.
