The Book on Kazuo Fukumori
Prospect Info
Kazuo Fukumori
Born 8/4/1976
RHP, TEX
The only closer the young Golden Eagles have ever had, Fukimori is an unusual closer, but a very successful one. Working with high control rather than overpowering heat, Fukumori's fastball won't break 90 often, but he mixes in an array of breaking pitches (forkball, knuckle-curve, shuuto) and keeps batters off balance.
Fukumori's 2007 season was mainly lost to injury. He had elbow surgery midseason. In his last full season (2006), though, he posted a 2.17 ERA in 58 innings. If the Rangers get anything close to that, they'll be very happy Rangers indeed.
He's a good fit in a modern major league bullpen. While he'll probably be used to set up at first, he'll be a looming presence or pressure, stepping in to assume closing duties if needed.
Ranking in ScoutingBook (3/16/2010): #361 
Ranking in Baseball America 2010: Unranked
Ranking in Baseball Prospectus: Unranked
Ranking in MiLB.com 2010 Season Preview Unranked
Ranking from the Sporting News: Unranked
Ranking from ESPN: Unranked
Player Updates and Notes
The Rangers, adding to their bullpen the day after letting Aki Otsuka walk, have signed left-hander Kazuo Fukumori to a two-year, $3M contract. Fukumori will serve as a setup man for C.J. Wilson.
12/13/2007 by BallGrrrl
The Yankees met with Alan Nero the representative for Japanese free agent Kazuo Fukumori during the winter meetings in Nashville.
12/8/2007 by BallGrrrl
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