Cleveland Indians land Kosuke Fukudome, ready for another signing – MLB News
The Cleveland Indians experienced a boost in confidence when they acquired 34-year-old out-fielder Kosuke Fukudome from the Chicago Cubs. The left-handed batter joined the Indians on Thursday, July 28.
Indians are currently placed second in the American League Central division, 2.5 games behind Detroit Tigers. Fukudome joins the Indians at a point when they are on a three-game losing streak and are hard pressed by the fast-improving Chicago White Sox who
have won two consecutive games and are just .5 games shy of dismantling the Indians from the second position.
Run scoring and run prevention have been a problem for Cleveland, evident from their differential of -13 and Fukudome is just the right player to assist the Indians in improving this area. He has an offensive mindset at the plate and is flawless in the outfield.
The Indians have a dreary record on the road and Fukudome’s experience with the Cubs might help the bull-pen overcome that.
Chris Antonetti, the General Manager of Cleveland Indians was very excited on the successful signing of Fukudome. He said, "We feel we're better today than we were yesterday."
Cleveland acquired Fukudome from the Cubs after handing the Chicago side prospects Abner Abreu and Carlton Smith. It may be a risk bringing in the player to the side in place of two young prospects but the Indians have their eyes set on the AL Central top
notch and they require experience for it. Furthermore, Cleveland’s team management is considering adding another hitter, preferably out-fielder, or a starting pitcher to add strength to their bull-pen.
Antonetti stated that Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore are expected to be activated from the disabled list somewhere between mid August and early September and he would prefer adding another out-fielder to support Fukudome who would get most of the playing
time in right-field.
Of the potential candidates for the second signing, Hiroki Kuroda and Jamey Carroll of Los Angeles Dodgers and Ubaldo Jimenez of Colorado Rockies are being considered.
Talks about Kuroda and Carroll have dried up more so because of their unfavourable contracts. Starting pitcher Jimenez is the best pitcher in the trade market and has a favourable contract as well, thus the interest of various clubs in his signing. Although
the Indians have shown interest in signing another out-fielder, the offer for Jimenez seems to be tempting and it is believed that the Indians are willing to acquire the pitcher against a part of their group of four top-quality prospects Drew Pomeranz, Jason
Kipnis, Lonnie Chisenhall and Alex White.
Fukudome has been impressive this season. In 88 games, he has managed 80 hits and 33 runs along with 13 RBIs. It will be interesting to see how he helps in turning the fortunes for the Indians.
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