MLB Trade News: Indians Make First Move, Acquire Kosuke Fukudome

The Cleveland Indians have acquired Chicago Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome in return for two minor league prospects, Single-A outfielder Abner Abreu and Triple-A pitcher Carlton Smith. The trade is on the verge of being official, just waiting on final incentives and all the paperwork to be completed.

In addition to receiving Fukudome, the Cubs will also pick up more then half of his remaining $4.7 million owed for the 2011 season.

On the year, Fukudome is batting .273 with three home runs and just 13 RBI. His stats by no means are over-the-top impressive; but he has had a consistent average that has constantly been improving throughout his career.  

I would not hold Fukudome to high expectation as you would getting a player like Hunter Pence or Carlos Beltran. While he is no Pence or Beltran, Fukudome is a good upgrade over Travis Buck and Austin Kearns. Expect Fukudome to be able get on base and drive in runs when given the chance.  

He will not manufacture runs, but he will help bring great plate discipline. Fukudome is atop the NL for pitches per plate appearance at 4.34, which is a huge stat that the Indians to look at. He puts up quality at-bats, seeing a lot of pitches, something the Indians' young ballclub does not do the best.

For the Cubs, Fukudome played some games batting leadoff, but he could bat anywhere from second assuming Michael Brantley is moved back into the top slot. Or Fukudome could move down to fifth or sixth to add some back of the lineup presence.

This trade will help the Indians offense adding another stable bat and fielder to the order, however, it will not be the game changer for the Indians' struggling offense.

This is a good start for the Indians, and I still do expect them to still be on the market for another outfielder and a veteran starting pitcher. Roll Tribe!