"Very quietly, Kosuke Fukudome has settled right in this season with the Cubs.

Not only did he finish April with a .344 batting average, but he started May with a 2-for-4 afternoon Saturday that included an RBI double that gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead in their eventual 7-5 victory over the Diamondbacks.

He also lined out hard to third base and drew a walk in the winning two-run rally. For the season, his average with runners in scoring position is .444 (8-for-18).

The reason he looks so comfortable? He finally is becoming accustomed to the culture in the United States and the big leagues after his all-star years in Japan.

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"I do think I'm getting used to my teammates and the Chicago Cubs and also the city," he said through an interpreter. "So everything is making me comfortable being around."

Manager Lou Piniella said he plans to rest his right fielder more this season, hoping to prevent a dramatic decline in production as the months take a toll. Last season, Fukudome hit .338 in April, .277 in May and .169 in June."