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Indians trade for Cubs’ Fukudome
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo
In this July 18, 2011 file photo, Chicago Cubs' Kosuke Fukudome hits an RBI double off Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Drew Carpenter during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Chicago. The Cleveland Indians have acquired Fukudome from the Cubs on Thursday, July 28, 2011.
Associated Press
CLEVELAND
Spurned by Carlos Beltran, the Cleveland Indians traded for Kosuke Fukudome and hope to keep upgrading their sagging offense.
Cleveland acquired the outfielder from the Chicago Cubs for two prospects Thursday, one day after making an offer to the New York Mets for Beltran, who exercised a no-trade clause in his contract and was instead dealt to the San Francisco Giants.
“We’re a better team than we were yesterday,” Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said, less than 24 hours after the injury-depleted Indians were no-hit by Ervin Santana and the Angels in a 3-1 loss. “Kosuke helps us offensively and defensively. Our goal is to improve our run scoring and run prevention and we will continue to pursue all avenues.”
Fukudome is hitting .279 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 87 games this season.
The 34-year-old Fukudome received the news shortly before the Cubs’ game in Milwaukee against the Brewers. He left a closed-door meeting with Cubs manager Mike Quade, then shook hands or exchanged hugs with what were suddenly former teammates.
Through interpreter Hiro Aoyama, Fukudome said he knew little about Cleveland.
“Lake Erie is right next to it,” he said. “I know it looks like Chicago.”
Fukudome said Cubs GM Jim Hendry approached him at the All-Star break about testing the trade market. He found out about Cleveland’s interest a few days ago and signed off on a no-trade clause to make the deal happen.
“It was a difficult decision to make, not simply because I was here for a long time, but also it was a different league,” Fukudome said. “My family told me that it was up to me. Whatever you want to do, that was the decision to make.”
Triple-A right-hander Carlton Smith and Class-A outfielder Abner Abreu were shipped to the Cubs. Outfielder Travis Buck was designated for assignment to clear roster room in Cleveland, and the Indians also received cash. Fukudome is being paid $13.5 million in 2011.
The Cubs are picking up most of the money due Fukudome, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal with Chicago as a free agent from Japan in 2008.
Antonetti declined any other specifics.