Up until a few hours ago, the White Sox were the only team in Major League Baseball that had not signed a single free agent this offseason.

But all that changed Tuesday afternoon when the South Siders inked former Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to a one-year deal. Fukudome, 34, will be paid $500,000 for his services in 2012. The Sox hold a $3.5-million option for 2013 that includes a $500,000 buyout.

Inspiring acquisition? Uhhh, no. I've never been a fan of Fukudome's, but he is a decent defensive player. He can handle all three outfield spots, and he comes cheap. That's pretty much what you're looking for in a fourth outfielder.

Fukudome can be used as a late-inning defensive replacement in right field for Dayan Viciedo. And, if Alex Rios decides to take his place among the worst players in Major League Baseball again, Fukudome is at least good enough to go out there and play a middle-of-the-road center field.

I don't think this signing will generate much interest in the Sox, but it's not a bad move as minor moves go.