Kosuke Fukudome caught the attention of the Cubs during the 2004 Olympics in Athens with a rare combination of skills and a confidence that accompanied his talent.
When it came time for Fukudome to decide on his future, the Cubs took the patient approach, giving him space. But once he was ready to leave Japan, they pounced.
“It pretty much wasn’t a secret how much we wanted him,” General Manager Jim Hendry said Wednesday as the Cubs introduced their new right fielder, who agreed to a $48 million, four-year contract. “He was not only our No. 1 target in the free-agent situation in right field, he was our only target.”
Fukudome, a left-handed hitter with power, speed and the ability to get on base, knew the Cubs were in hot pursuit.
“After I declared my free agency, the Cubs were actually one of the only teams that were trying to get me from the beginning to the end of the whole process,” Fukudome said through a translator. “I felt they really wanted me and they were also one of the teams that promised me I could play my position — right field.”
Besides his bat, Fukudome is considered a strong fielder. The Padres and White Sox were among the other teams interested in a player whose skills have been labeled a mix of Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui.
“I don’t know how I compare myself,” Fukudome said. “I guess if that’s what everyone is saying, hopefully I can be a mixture of those two.”
Fukudome must learn the nuances of Wrigley Field and face pitchers with great stuff whom he’s never seen before.
“I haven’t thought about those necessary adjustments too much. Every day I play I will find out little changes and the difference between American and Japanese ball and I think I will make my adjustments as I play the game,” Fukudome said. “I think I can hold my own in right field. I don’t know how my batting will translate into stats over here, but I’m pretty confident I will be able to get on base.”
