Truth & Rumors > MLB

Piniella warns slumping Fukudome

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Lou Piniella's warning to Kosuke Fukudome on Sunday could lead to more playing time in right field for Mark DeRosa and Reed Johnson and more time at second for Mike Fontenot. The Cubs manager said if Fukudome didn't start hitting soon, he'd have to look at "other options" in right. "I just look at trying to put out lineups that produce runs, and we've got a couple guys that are swinging the bats, including Reed Johnson, that are not playing," Piniella said. "Sooner or later, I've got to give them opportunities."

Chicago Tribune

Lou Piniella, AP Lou Piniella, AP
August 11, 2008  07:07 AM ET

I just love his last name!

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August 11, 2008  08:01 AM ET

Piniella?

August 11, 2008  08:31 AM ET

Lou wouldn't dare bench the starting right fielder from the All Star game, would he?

Who didn't see a drop off coming from Fukudome? He's not Ichiro or Matsui. His numbers from the Japanese league said he'd be average at best in MLB.

August 11, 2008  08:59 AM ET

lou is one of the more entertaining managers in MLB today.

Comment has been removed
August 11, 2008  09:36 AM ET

Did the translator properly translate Lou's yelling? I am sure something gets lost in translation.

August 11, 2008  09:46 AM ET

So you'd rather have Fukudome than Ichiro, Grossed out?? okay.......

August 11, 2008  10:24 AM ET

I've been telling people Fukudome is overrated. He will come out of this slump if Lou remains patient but IMO there are other things Pinella could do to better the Cubs lineup.

One, Theriot is the best leadoff guy, so bat him first, no matter if Sori gets perturbed, then Sori. I'd move Fukudome to about 6th or 7th depending on the platoon situation w/ Edmonds and Johnson. Who bats higher btw DeRosa and Fukudome depends on which guy is hotter. They both have similar stats...

August 11, 2008  10:26 AM ET

So, in a sense, Fukudome could be....

FUCT

August 11, 2008  10:53 AM ET

if they are going to make a run, you got to have player that can play and be hot right now.. some have it and some don't.. alot of teams need to learn that

August 11, 2008  11:20 AM ET

i actually dont blame him...him and geovanny soto are really disappointing me since the all-star break....Geo is not himself and Fukudome is just not what i expected at ALL from him...at this rate he'd be lucky to make 15 home runs this season...and he was batting 300 with an AWESOME on base precentage and now that on base has dropped CONSIDERABLEY and that avg as well as dropped almost 40-50 points...its a very very sad situation in right field these days...and i totally agree...we got people like fontenot at 2nd moving derosa to right and reed in center...and they all ht magnificently well....i like this team inside and out...some people just gotta get their act together and shape up...

August 11, 2008  11:39 AM ET

Love and miss Sweet Lou. He's forgotten more about baseball than the Mariner's CEO Howard Lincoln will ever know. He will take the Cubbies to the Big Show if he has to drag them kicking and screaming the whole way.

August 11, 2008  11:40 AM ET

Soto isn't a big surprise. It's not unusual at all for an offensive catcher's numbers to drop as the season grinds on.......he'll be fine......

August 11, 2008  11:53 AM ET

I'm glad to see a manager put the team before the player. The Cubs need offensive production like he displayed early on, Johnson would certainly fill that spot for now.

August 11, 2008  11:58 AM ET

once any rookie plays a few games....
the opposing pitchers have a scouting report which translates into adjustments
Pinella is absolutely right- if he can't adjust back- he needs to sit

August 11, 2008  12:01 PM ET

Hey, whatever needs to be done. GO CUBBIES!

August 11, 2008  12:03 PM ET

Is Lou drinkin' that water in that picture?

August 11, 2008  12:25 PM ET

About time....although I would prefer he continues to play as I'm not a Cubs fan until the Brewers lose!

 
August 11, 2008  12:28 PM ET

The steam is finally starting to come out of "Sweet Lou's" ears - "Oh the good old days" !!!

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