"The Cubs have no regrets about signing Kosuke Fukudome to a four-year, $48 million deal, despite the lackluster numbers put up by the Japanese star in his rookie year in the majors.

Fukudome wound up hitting .257 with 10 home runs and 58 RBIs, including a .207 average after July 1, losing his starting job in right field down the stretch. At times he has looked overmatched at the plate after a good start in April and May.

"Obviously, he's got the ability," general manager Jim Hendry said. "Unfortunately, he's in a real tough snag and I'm of the belief that he will figure it out and get better again. I don't have a doubt that he'll be back next year playing well. He's not an out-of-shape guy, he's a specimen. And he's a proud guy.

"And I think sometimes you have to go back and lean on history a little. We've had a lot of multiyear free agents that come here for the first time and Year 1 doesn't always work out like it was planned, like [ Moises] Alou and Derrek Lee [acquired in a trade after '03], who right off the bat didn't hit well early.

"Alou was the most prominent, though, and then he gave us two outstanding years. I don't have a doubt in my mind this guy is still going to be a good player for us, and to credit him, even in his darkest times here the last month, he's helped win two or three ballgames with his defense, and he's never taken it out to the field with him."

Ready, steady, go

Mark DeRosa and Carlos Zambrano both got their work in on Monday at rainy Wrigley Field. DeRosa tested his sore left calf and will be ready to go on Wednesday for Game 1 of the division series. Zambrano had a bullpen session and is ready to start Game 2 on Thursday."