Kosuke Fukudome
Posted by Steve L. on November 2nd, 2008 · Comments (4)
If the Yankees had a chance to pick up Fukudome…say, in exchange for Ian Kennedy or Jose Veras…should they consider it?
Yeah, I know, Fukudome tanked – badly – in the second half of 2008. And, he really wasn’t good outside of Wrigley this season. But, if you recall, Hideki Matsui had some road and second-half issues during his first season in America too – albeit not to the extreme that Fukudome had this year…
Then again, the risk here is that Fukudome has three more years on his contract…
So, forget that I even mentioned it. The Yankees are probably better off with Damon/Gardner/Nady at this point.
wasn’t there talk of putting him in AAA next year?
Its been reported that Piniella wants him to platoon with that Toronto cast-off in CF next season.
At this point, Fukudome has virtually no value until he demonstrates that the first couple of months of the season weren’t flukes. Right now he’s a total MLB bust.
Ian Kennedy, no.
Jose Veras. yes.
There are good reasons to consider him, he’s glove was undervalued. and there’s a reasonable chance that he can hit espically in left friendly YS.
Given our rather questionable OF next year, a move like this make sense if your not going to sign a big boper OF , then this is the next best solution.
Randy Winn however would probably be a safer bet for the same effect, but would likely cost more in terms of player.
and there’s a reasonable chance that he can hit espically in left friendly YS
——————–
Isn’t the problem with Fukudome that he doesn’t pull the ball? Being a lefty won’t help him in YS if he has no power AND is reluctant to pull the ball.