"Center fielder Kosuke Fukudome spent most of the spring with the Japanese national team, which won the World Baseball Classic.

His missed time with the Cubs might have been a concern after he struggled in the second half of last season, but he has opened 2009 with a vengeance.

Fukudome is batting .375 with six doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI. He also has drawn nine walks and is among the National League leaders in on-base percentage (.480) and slugging percentage (.750).

Manager Lou Piniella credited third-base coach Mike Quade for working overtime with Fukudome when he finally did join the team in Arizona after the WBC.

''Fukudome only had a portion of spring training with us, and Quade did a nice job working with him,'' Piniella said. ''He's getting more comfortable in center field, and we're pleased with what he's doing.''

Case closed

In Piniella's opinion, the Cubs have one closer -- Kevin Gregg -- and no closer controversy. But as he did last season, Piniella said he occasionally will turn to Carlos Marmol to fill the role.

That is a good thing for the Cubs and not a catalyst for debates, Piniella said.

''Last year, Marmol had about a dozen save opportunities [nine, with seven saves], and it worked out quite well for our closer, Woody [Kerry Wood]. It'll work out well for Gregg, too. I have confidence in both of them.''"