The Padres are facing determined competition from the Cubs for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Growing indications yesterday had the Cubs willing to guarantee Fukudome close to $50 million. The Padres have offered more than $10 million per year, perhaps well above that amount, over at least three years.
General Manager Kevin Towers declined to rate the Padres' chances of importing the right fielder/center fielder.
“I'd be shooting in the dark,” said Towers, who described the Padres' bid as final. “I have no idea. I really don't. The agent's kept this pretty close to the vest.”
Last night, both clubs were waiting to learn whether Fukudome, 30, is leaving Japan, as expected. The White Sox also have an interest in Fukudome.
By selling ballpark advertising space to Japanese companies, Fukudome's new club could promptly add to its revenues. Fukudome's .397 career on-base percentage in Japan excited the Padres, who project him for the top third of their lineup.
“It sounds like it's Chicago or San Diego,” Towers said.
Moving to Petco Park rejuvenated David Wells, and the Padres expect a similar renaissance from another veteran left-hander coming off injury, Randy Wolf, whose one-year, incentive-laden pact was announced yesterday.
Wolf, who had shoulder surgery in September, is guaranteed $4.75 million and can make up to an additional $4.25 million on starts and innings pitched.
“We certainly knew there was some risk, a guy coming off surgery,” Towers said.
Wolf said his arm has responded well since Dr. Lewis Yocum trimmed frayed shoulder cartilage Sept. 5. For each start from 11-30, Wolf would get $175,000. He can pull in another $250,000 if he pitches 190 innings, and $500,000 more if he reaches 200 innings.
Wells, coming off back surgery, signed a similar deal before Petco's first season and went 12-8 with a 3.73 ERA in 195 2/3 innings.
Towers expects similar returns from Wolf, whose flyball tendencies should play better at Petco, he said. In 18 games last year with the Dodgers, Wolf was 9-6 with a 4.73 ERA.
“I have every expectation to be 100 percent and make every start,” said Wolf, who had reconstructive elbow surgery in July 2005.
Another Japanese player, second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, formerly of the White Sox and Phillies, remains a Padres target. The Rockies also are interested in Iguchi. The Phillies like him at third base, but unless they get a waiver from the commissioner's office wouldn't be able to play him before May 15.
Towers said he is unwilling to go past a one-year guarantee for a second baseman, a potential sticking point in negotiations with Iguchi and David Eckstein, whose agent spoke with the Padres yesterday.
Towers said “it wouldn't hurt” second-base prospect Matt Antonelli “to get more at-bats down in Triple-A. If he's not ready to start this year, we think he should be ready to start at some point next year.”
Notes
The Pirates are interested in trading for Padres No. 2 catcher
Michael Barrett this month, but only if the Padres ask for little in return.
The Padres met with an agent whose clients include Barry Bonds, fueling speculation the Padres might make a play for Bonds. “We have no interest in Bonds,” CEO Sandy Alderson said.
Towers said the club hasn't contacted the agent of free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand, and the team is willing to guarantee two seasons for free-agent center fielder Mike Cameron, but the dollars aren't a match.
Tom Krasovic: (619) 293-2207; tom.krasovic@uniontrib.com
