Eye on
Kosuke Fukudome, OF, Chicago Cubs
Background: Fukudome wasn’t Hideki Matsui in Japan, a man known as “Godzilla.” He wasn’t Kazuo Matsui, whose fielding flair and tinted hair drew raves. And he certainly wasn’t Daisuke Matsuzaka, a national treasure whose every move makes news. Fukudome’s Chunichi Dragons won a league title last season, but he wasn’t a factor because of an injured elbow. The Cubs had been tracking him for a long time and landed the outfielder with a four-year, $48 million contract that includes eight first-class round-trip tickets to Japan, a personal masseuse and a car in spring training.
What’s up: Fukudome has become a cult hero at Wrigley Field, with “Fukudome is my Homie” the most popular shirts at the ballpark. He’s hitting .353 with a .455 on-base percentage in 27 games. He had fans at goodbye as they waved adios to a home run on opening day.
What’s next: Fukudome has a chance to become only the fourth Cubs rookie to make the all-star team, joining Don Johnson, Toby Atwell and Sam Jones.
Renck’s take: Pitchers who have faced him marvel at his patience, knowledge of his hot zone and his ability to fight off inside pitches. His swing looks vividly reminiscent of Kazuo Matsui from the left side. He keeps the barrel in the hitting zone forever and has surprising gap power. Perhaps most impressive is the idea that Fukudome might have been — like Ichiro Suzuki before him — sandbagging in spring training. Fukudome was terrible in Arizona, but he’s suddenly baseball’s next sensation, giving the Cubs one of the NL’s top offenses.
At issue
Rockies’ future with Atkins, Holliday and Stewart
What: The injury to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has caused fans to call for Garrett Atkins to move to second base with Ian Stewart manning third. It was assumed that either Atkins or Stewart would be traded this offseason, but it’s becoming clear that both are linked to Matt Holliday’s future contract talks as well. General manager Dan O’Dowd told me as much last week when I relayed fans’ concerns about the future of Atkins and Stewart.
When: Talks with Holliday either late this season or this offseason will be critical in shaping the Rockies’ plans. Colorado needs to get serious in its negotiations.
Background: The Rockies have Holliday signed through next year at $13.5 million, but that doesn’t guarantee that he will be back in 2009. He can become a free agent after the 2009 season. If Holliday and the team cannot bridge financial gaps and it becomes obvious they won’t, he could be a candidate to be traded. The mere idea is chilling given Holliday’s presence in the lineup and the community. If Holliday is traded, Stewart could be shifted to left field.
Renck’s take: Nearly everyone has conceded that the Rockies won’t pony up for Holliday — even O’Dowd acknowledged that $100 million is the jumping-off point. The terms of the contract could be the killer given ownership’s reluctance to commit more than five years to a 28-year-old player. To me, Holliday should be viewed as the exception given his remarkable physical condition. He said that he would be “disgusted with himself” if he wasn’t in great shape at age 35. I am not ready to say a long-term deal won’t happen for two reasons: both Holliday and O’Dowd’s creativity. Holliday has shown a willingness to work with the Rockies — he isn’t looking for top dollar and loves his teammates. If escape clauses can be written in to protect the player and team after five years, there’s more than a puncher’s chance he stays.
THREE UP
1. Diamondbacks:They have gone 17-5 against the NL West.2. Tigers:First sweep at Yankee Stadium since 1966.3. Rays:Posted first winning April in franchise history.THREE DOWN
1. Rockies:Tulo hurt, Morales demoted, Corpas slumping, what next?
2. Yankees:A-Rod, Posada and Hughes all land on the DL.
3. Blue Jays:Went 7-for-66 with RISP during forgettable road trip.
