Lou Promises Fukudome 2nd Spot in Lineup

Fukudome hasn't been playing with the Cubs this spring, since he has been trying to help Japan win some games in the World Baseball Classic. He has done ok, going 2-7 so far with the Japanese team. As usual, he is walking a lot as well, drawing 4 bases on balls in only 11 plate appearances. What does this all mean for Fukudome's 2009 season? Nothing. Lou, however, feels that Fukudome has earned the #2 spot in the lineup without playing a single game for the Cubs so far. You want to know something? I agree with him: "He looks wonderful," Piniella said of Fukudome. "He's in really good shape. I told him we're holding a spot for him, and we'll put him out in center ...