Wow.

As a Cubs fan I would have loved to have Fukudome for $1M guarantee.

What's the point? (For either side of town) He is not starting and in the case of the Sox, if Viciedo starts slow, then Fuke gets playing time and bats over .300 for April and May, is he now the starter and the systems No 1 prospect sits until August when Fuke is batting .260?

The Chicago White Sox and free-agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome have agreed to terms on a one-year contract that includes a club option for the 2013 season.

A lifetime .260 hitter with 110 doubles, 42 home runs, 191 RBI, 262 runs scored and 299 walks in 572 games over four Major League seasons, Fukudome was named the Japanese Central League Most Valuable Player in 2006 after hitting .351 with 31 home runs and 104 RBI. He also represented Japan at the 1996 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games and the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic.

"Kosuke adds to our outfield depth and gives Robin another left-handed bat to mix into the lineup based on matchups," said Rick Hahn, White Sox vice president/assistant general manager. "He can play center field and right and provides flexibility to our roster.

Fukudome, 34, combined to hit .262 (139-530) with 27 doubles, eight home runs, 35 RBI and 59 runs scored in 146 games between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland in 2011. He was traded by the Cubs to the Indians on July 28 in exchange for outfielder Abner Abreu and pitcher Carlton Smith.

As a rookie in 2008, the 6-foot, 200-pounder was selected as the starting right fielder for the National League at the All-Star Game held at Yankee Stadium. He hit .257 (129-501) with 25 doubles, 10 home runs, 58 RBI and 79 runs scored over 150 games that season.

Fukudome, who bats left-handed, is a lifetime .260 (491-1,888) hitter with 110 doubles, 42 home runs, 191 RBI, 262 runs scored and 299 walks in 572 games over four seasons with the Cubs (2008-11) and Cleveland (2011).

Fukudome played nine seasons with Chunichi of the Japanese Central League from 1999-2007. He was named the CL Most Valuable Player in 2006 after hitting .351 (174-496) with 31 home runs and 104 RBI. Fukudome represented Japan at the 1996 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games and the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic.

He will wear uniform No. 1. With Fukudome’s addition, the White Sox 40-man roster is at 37.

He's a career .360 on-base guy. Nice to have for a million bucks when you're heading into the season with no real proven leadoff man.

Joe, that's a valid point. Alejandro De Aza was impressive when the White Sox gave him a long, hard look in September, but the only leadoff work he did was I think at Triple "A" Charlotte. With the much-maligned Juan Pierre soon to battle for a job with the Phillies, I've got news for Sox fans. These are your potential leadoff options for the '12 Sox:

30 Alejandro De Aza LF
15 Gordon Beckham 2B
1 Kosuke Fukudome RF (?)
10 Alexei Ramirez SS
18 Brent Lillibridge 2B/SS/OF (?)

Not exactly the prototype leadoff hitters, but new manager Robin Ventura can't be afraid in Spring Training to try one of the above options at the top of the order.

Yeah really. Beckham should be hitting 8th or 9th all season, SHARK.

These White Sox don't have a true leadoff hitter anymore.

I agree.

Beckham never has been and never will be that guy.

What was Kenny's last good singing Jermaine Dye?

I agree.

Beckham never has been and never will be that guy.

Love this move. Especially if you're trying to rebuild a team. You essentially paid $1 mil to get a bunch of prospects, hopefully. What do I mean? If Rios has a sub-par year you have a chance to move him at the deadline (eating some of the salary obviously) for some young guns and have a a lefty to come off the bench to fill the void. Win-win Kenny?

Love this move. Especially if you're trying to rebuild a team. You essentially paid $1 mil to get a bunch of prospects, hopefully. What do I mean? If Rios has a sub-par year you have a chance to move him at the deadline (eating some of the salary obviously) for some young guns and have a a lefty to come off the bench to fill the void. Win-win Kenny?

Fukudome is a good 4th outfielder


4th outfielders are really only needed on good teams

He will be playing the 9th inning of every game from the beginning of the season in place of Viceado. Let the games play out a little.