Kosuke's Journal: Catching up on August

Aug. 25, 2009

It has been a long time since my last diary. We have been struggling in August and do need to start winning at this point of the season. We only have about 40 games left. The team and each player must perform at their best in order to win. I have been feeling good, although it is a little difficult to adjust to playing center- and rightfield positions, and to starting and coming off the bench.

On-base percentage? I am not really thinking about any number, but it is a good thing to get on base no matter what the situation is. I think this has been one of my offensive strengths since I was in Japan. Although I don't know if I have a good eye at the plate, I do have good vision!

I hit my 11th home run of this season, and it made it the 11th consecutive year of hitting double-digit home runs [since his rookie year in Japan]. I am not looking for a home run at the plate, but I am happy when I get it.

I am really proud of Mr. Takeshi Yamasaki, who achieved 350 home runs and 1,000 RBI the other day. It is simply fascinating. [Mr. Yamasaki is currently 40 years old and playing for the Touhoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan.] We had talked over the phone and he was really happy, but he also told me that he will do anything he can do to take his team to the playoffs. He also said I need to do my best for my team.

Again, I would like to congratulate him on surpassing 1,500 hits, 1,000 RBI and 350 home runs. I do want to continue performing my best until the end, so please keep cheering for us.

-- Kosuke Fukudome

Special thanks to Cubs Japanese interpreter and media assistant Hiro Aoyama for the translation.