White Sox Sign Fukudome
Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome should feel right at home with his new team. Well sort of. Fukudome has been signed by the Chicago White Sox after spending 3 1/2 seasons with the Cubs. With the exception of a hot start in his rookie year and making the All Star game, Fukudome has been inconsistent at the plate.
Despite being a career .260 hitter, Fukudome does have some good qualities that will work out in the White Sox favor. His OBP is .361 and he will be able to get on base in front of the big bats in the lineup and help to score runs. His fielding percentage in both right field and left field is an impressive .989. This means he can play multiple positions in the out field and have success, which will allow others to get the necessary rest to play at their peak. Rick Hahn, White Sox vice president/assistant general manager said, “Kosuke adds to our outfield depth and gives Robin (Ventura) another left-handed bat to mix into the lineup based on matchups…He can play center field and right and provides flexibility to our roster.”
While many on the North side believe that Fukudome was a bust and was over paid, the White Sox got him at a bargain price. He is due to receive $500,000 in 2012 with a $3.5 million option in 2013. They can also buy out his contract at that point for 500,000. So if he does not work out with the club, it will have only been a $1 million expense. Not too shabby considering what the Cubs paid for him.
