We haven't heard sirens go off in the Windy City yet, but is it time to consider panic mode for Kosuke Fukudome?
Since June 20th, Kosukue's average has dropped from .298 to .275 and his on-base percentage has dropped from .431 to .401.
Unfortunately, his power and RBI production have decreased as well, only belting 2 homers and 5 RBIs in that span. He's only had 7 multi-RBI games this season, the last coming June 11th against Atlanta.
Lou Piniella moved Kosuke down to 7th in the lineup Saturday night, signifying the Cubs are willing to swap Kosuke around due to his struggles.
With Soriano due back very soon, will Lou's original plan of keeping Kosuke # 2 still remain? Or will Theriot slide back to his familiar spot?
With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, the question arises:
Will the Cubs make another move before the All-Star break?
In my opinion, I find it doubtful they'll trade for another outfielder. They'll ride out Kosuke's struggles and hope for the best.
Let's just hope this is just Kosuke's big slump of the season and he rebounds with a big Fall.
Here's to optimism, Cub fans!
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about 1 month ago
As hot as Theriot has been in the last.. ohhh.. five months... I just can't see putting him at the bottom of the line up.
But there is a problem somewhere. Theriot got intentionally walked to get to Fukudome. That shouldn't happen.
about 1 month ago
Nice work as usual josh. If fukudome can continue to play solid defense his offensive struggles should pick up sooner or later
about 1 month ago
Fukudome's a combination of Hideki Matsui and Ichiro!
More power than Ichiro but doesn't run as well, less power than Matsui but runs more effectively!
about 1 month ago
Sam brought up an excellent point: Fukudome is probably the best defensive outfielder for the Cubs in over a decade and as long as he excels as a defender, you can keep him in that seven or eight slot without batting an eye.
Right now, Kosuke is in that spot where the pitchers have tons of film on him, but he doesn't have much to prepare for all the new pitchers. Its a game of adjustments and as soon as he tweaks his approach, I guarantee he'll snap out of this.
about 1 month ago
Don't forget that when Soriano returns, Derosa can relieve Fukudome and the Cubs can ride out Fontenot's hot hitting without losing that Left handed bat. With Edmonds hitting well giving Fukudome some time off may be a good idea, but a move doesn't need to be made. It is wonderful that they can deal with these types of problems in house.
about 1 month ago
For better or worse, the Cubs wil be sticking with Fukudome for the next few seasons as he is signed for $12 million per through 2011. Personally, I like him and think he will come out of this slump. But I don't know if he will ever be the type of player to justify the huge dollars. But if he can get his average back around .300 with an OBP of .400 or better, hit 15 homeers, and continue to play stellar defense, I'll be moer than happy to have him. If the unthinkable happens, and he turns out to be a .260 hitter, then we've got problems. Let's hope that doesn't happen.
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