Sayonara Kosuke Fukudome

Kosuke Fukudome has chosen to accept an offer from the Cubs, reportedly around $50M for 4 years. While it remains to be seen what the Frairs actually offered Fukudome, it is widely rumored to be over $10M/year for at least 3 years. Otherwise put, the likely difference between the two clubs was about one veteran bench player/year. While the Padres will surely point to Jake Peavy's signing as a major commitment this offseason, the reality is that the farm system will have to do better for the Padres to sport hitting talent (which won't be brought in via free agency - ever). Whatever the excuse is today (we think it is TV revenue these days), the club seemingly was close enough to make this click and is in dire need of an outfielder(s). Considering that Giles will likely start the season on the DL, Cameron will be gone or suspended and Milton Bradley has already bolted, the spacious outfield is looking more so these days. We're fine with Scott Hairston getting a shot, but that still leaves the team an outfielder short. Please KT, don't make that extra outfielder Todd Walker.

Can KT Learn From AJ?

San Diego sports fans know about the promise of big names and bold moves. We've heard it all many times and have even experienced it a time or two. But watching the Padres operate this offseason has been painful. I can't actually believe I'm saying this - but I am: Why can't KT be more like AJ? KT is, of course, the esteemed General Manager of the San Diego Padres; AJ the corollary with the San Diego Chargers. FF has a great deal of respect for both. KT is much more open about his plans while AJ is as closed as (ironically) a Marty Shottenheimer practice. I can't quite understand why the Friar front office is making such a big, public deal out of everything this offseason. I'm not big into conspiracy theories and this isn't meant to be one itself, but there is so much telegraphing of moves going on that it makes one feel like they want everyone to know they tried, should they eventually fail. We saw the reports that Milton Bradley, Brett Tomko, and even Glendon Rusch were all but done deals; none of these players has signed (and perhaps that's a good thing). Sandy Alderson even got into the act in regard to Bradley and Kosuke Fukudome (audio clip). I think the Friar's front office is fantastic on the whole - but agents and other teams don't need any help. AJ keeps everything close to the vest and nobody really knows what he'll will do at any given time. In the giant game of chicken that is a pro sports personnel management, it makes sense to keep the rest of field wondering.