PDA

View Full Version : Kosuke Fukudome To Have Surgery


TonyStarks
08-13-2007, 12:45 PM
According to JapanBall.com, Chunichi Dragons outfielder Kosuke Fukudome will have endoscopic surgery to remove bone fragments from his right elbow this week. The surgery will take place in Los Angeles, perhaps by Dr. Lewis Yocum.

It's a two-month recovery period, and originally there was a concern that the injury would prevent Fukudome accruing the service time needed to reach free agency after the season. However, a new rule will still allow free agency.

In talking to Mike Plugh in May, I learned that Fukudome is a fine right fielder with gap power. Plugh suggested Fukudome might command $12-15MM over three or four years. Fukudome's main competition among free agent right fielders will probably be Jermaine Dye. Whether Bobby Abreu will hit the market this winter is still an open question.

--

Where do you folks think he'll end up?

BoofBonser26
08-13-2007, 02:57 PM
So he's coming for sure? Sweet!

I love watching the Japanese players coming over here each year. Whether they sink or swim, they add excitement, generate interest, promote baseball worldwide, and most importantly, increase the quality of play in MLB.

As for the question at hand, I'd say any team who wants him could land him if they'll pay. I was tempted to give the generic "Yankees, Sox, Cubs, Angels, etc." answer, but the Devil Rays landed Iwamura, and if the Devil Rays can win a posting bid, than any team truly can. ;)

SamtheBravesFan
08-13-2007, 03:10 PM
I THINK that Fukudome doesn't have any posting bid at all. Maybe the Braves could get him with some of that extra cash they'll have... :laugh Maybe.

BoofBonser26
08-13-2007, 03:21 PM
I THINK that Fukudome doesn't have any posting bid at all. Maybe the Braves could get him with some of that extra cash they'll have... :laugh Maybe.
Oh yeah. My bad. FA. Should've read the article more carefully. :silent: