Kosuke Fukudome Chicago Cubs Publications
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Kosuke Fukudome is a Japanese outfielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Prior to arriving in the United States,
Fukudome played nine seasons for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League.
On December 11, 2007, the Chicago Cubs signed Fukudome to a four-year, $48 million contract.
Fukudome said in an interview that one of the main reasons he chose the Chicago Cubs over the other three teams
trying to sign him to their roster was because he wanted to be the first Japanese player to play for the team.
He also thought Chicago had a great Japanese community, and that it was a great place to raise his children.
He ended the 2008 season with a .257 average.
The Cubs are planning to shift Fukudome to center field in 2009.
