Kyuji Fujikawa Signs with the Cubs

[dabynsky]

Well, to look at it another way...let's say the Cubs were to sign him for a couple years at $8MM or less per year. They will inevitably stink in 2013 and teams will look to trade for Fuji here. What do you expect to get in return for that investment? You're basically looking at an expenditure of about $15MM or more on the off chance that you can score two scrubs that might turn into lottery tickets. In my opinion it's not worth it. This is like when they were sort of in on guys like Ryu...yeah, you got him, now what? Are you also going to hope that he does well while the rest of the team blows, or are you going to continue spending to surround him with talent to take advantage of his production while he's still young and doesn't suck? Or perhaps I'm not seeing the forest for the trees, I dunno. Just seems like a waste of money to blow on a closer. If they were to blow money, I want them to spend on starting pitching, and worry about the bullpen later.

I think it is what is though. The off chance that everything breaks right this year or next year he could be a valuable piece, and in the more likely chance they aren't I think the value of trade for the international guys that you sign him for whatever you can but you get 6 years of control. Again it is buying talent, and might represent one of the few opportunities for them to do it. It isn't an ideal situation, but clearly the Cubs did something right when they are a top team for a guy after a 100 loss season and reputation for trading productive guys away.

 

[Rice Cube]

I think it is what is though. The off chance that everything breaks right this year or next year he could be a valuable piece, and in the more likely chance they aren't I think the value of trade for the international guys that you sign him for whatever you can but you get 6 years of control. Again it is buying talent, and might represent one of the few opportunities for them to do it. It isn't an ideal situation, but clearly the Cubs did something right when they are a top team for a guy after a 100 loss season and reputation for trading productive guys away.

I'd be happier about this line of thinking if 1- he wasn't a closer and 2- he wasn't on the wrong side of 30.

 

[Rice Cube]

Cubs Den:

http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2012/11/japanese-closer-fujikawa-prefers-cubs-angels/

I think most of us are ambivalent :lol:

 

[dabynsky]

I'd be happier about this line of thinking if 1- he wasn't a closer and 2- he wasn't on the wrong side of 30.

I agree that he isn't ideal, but I think they know what they are doing. And I am glad to hear that are looking at any opportunity to improve the team.

 

[Rice Cube]

It's good that they're keeping their options open even if I think it happens to be a bad decision :lol: Thank goodness I don't run the team right? :cubstroll2:

 

[MRubio52]

That was an incredibly intelligent exchange. Really enjoyed that.

 

[dabynsky]

That was an incredibly intelligent exchange. Really enjoyed that.

 

[MRubio52]

Totes for srs.

 

[dabynsky]

Totes for srs.

Then...

 

[Rice Cube]

Muskat got some Hoyer quotes:

Hoyer did confirm that Japanese pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa was considering the Cubs and did tour Wrigley Field. However, Hoyer would not comment on the negotiations or provide a timetable. He did say they were impressed by the right-hander.

“If we bring in someone who has closing experience, or a number of guys who have closing experience, that’s no knock on Carlos,” Hoyer said. “I think every team in baseball wants to have an assortment of guys back there who if the need arises can pitch in the ninth inning. Hopefully we can do that.”

 

[85Bears4life]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal

Sources: #Cubs in agreement with Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa. Rival executives involved in bidding had expected him to go to #Angels.

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal

Fujikawa deal with #Cubs is two years with a vesting option for a third. He likely will be the team's closer.

 

[Rice Cube]

This is definitely a surprise. Wonder if Marmol is being aggressively shopped.

 

[85Bears4life]

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS

fujikawa got $9.,2M for 2 yrs from the #cubs

 

[Rice Cube]

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS

fujikawa got $9.,2M for 2 yrs from the #cubs

That's actually a bloody good deal.

 

[85Bears4life]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal

If Fujikawa option does not vest, #Cubs hold $5.5M club option with $500K buyout. A total of $9.5M guaranteed.


Ken Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal

Fujikawa deal with #Cubs: $1M signing bonus, $4M salaries in 2013 and '14, plus vesting option at $5.5M or $6M based on games finished.

 

[dabynsky]

That's actually a bloody good deal.

And there we go...

 

[dabynsky]

So I love this move given the cost of relievers on the market. This could turn into a nice little asset. It isn't like this is the thing that will turn around the organization or anything, but at the cost of less 10 million spread out over 2 years the Cubs added another nice arm.

 

[waldo7239117]

Great deal. I bet he will be the Cubs closer and Marmol will be gone, possibly next week.

Speculation: The Angels were the runner-up to him and the Cubs want to trade Marmol. The Cubs almost traded Marmol to the Angels earlier the Winter. So, I see those talks be revived for Marmol to be the Angels new closer.

 

[dabynsky]

With Walden gone, I could see the Angels being interested in Marmol again.

Bruce Miles tweeted earlier that Fujikawa's career WHIP is 0.86. Me likey.

 

[Rice Cube]

With Walden gone, I could see the Angels being interested in Marmol again.

Bruce Miles tweeted earlier that Fujikawa's career WHIP is 0.86. Me likey.

So maybe we can look at how Kaz Sasaki and Okajima did to sort of project what Fuji can do.