[bears9]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Whether the White Sox are serious about Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome, the Cubs remain the team to beat for the services of Japan's top hitter.
While being careful to respect the cultural nuances of the trans-Pacific pursuit of the outfielder, the Cubs have made it clear Fukudome is their top offseason target. And indications from those close to the Japanese side of the process suggest the Cubs are at the front of a large pack of suitors.
The market for Fukudome could approach the strength of the center-field market that already yielded a five-year, $90 million deal for Torii Hunter. Enough teams -- including the Cubs -- have made preliminary offers to Fukudome that a deal isn't expected until well after the winter meetings conclude Thursday.
The Cubs' top priority this winter has been landing a middle-of-the-order, lefty-hitting outfielder via trade or free agency, and general manager Jim Hendry said again Monday that ''there's a good likelihood we don't leave here with an outfielder who's that kind of a player

Cubs out front in Fukudome chase

[ThePundit]

Who??????????

[bears9]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

Who??????????

A Japanese outfielder with middle of the order power and a very solid glove in the outsider, similar to Tori Hunter

[EmpireWF]

Fukudome is expected to officially announce his move to MLB within a few days. The Cubs are still considered the favorites to sign the Japanese outfielder. I've read some reports say they offered about $12 million per year.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Fukudome is expected to officially announce his move to MLB within a few days. The Cubs are still considered the favorites to sign the Japanese outfielder. I've read some reports say they offered about $12 million per year.

I'm hearing it's the Cubs and the Padres dueling it out for Fukudome

[azrael492]

Are they going to have to pay an aquisition fee like the Sox did with Dice-K

[bears9]

Originally Posted by azrael492

Are they going to have to pay an aquisition fee like the Sox did with Dice-K

I don't think so, they just get to sign him. I think