Fukudome: Everything is just fine

MILWAUKEE - Kosuke Fukudome was in a rare expansive mood before Tuesday's game.

Fukudome was back in the No. 5 spot in the batting order but was in center field instead of right, as manager Lou Piniella continues to take it easy on center fielder Jim Edmonds' left knee.

Piniella had dropped Fukudome to seventh and even eighth in the lineup lately, as well as giving him days off. Despite a midseason slump, Fukudome said nothing's wrong.

"I don't feel like I was ever different," he said. "I feel just as fine as before. Because of the injury to my calf, there were certain days or a certain period of time I wasn't (able to give) 100 percent, but now my calf feels just fine, and I feel really comfortable at the plate."

There were all kinds of theories floated as to what caused Fukudome's slump: He was working too hard before games, the travel was getting to him, and he was besieged every day by the Japanese media.

"In my opinion, throughout the season, I don't think I was overworking by any means, compared with what I've done in the past," he said. "I still come early enough to get what I need to get ready for each game.

"I have to be ready. In my aspect of how to get ready for a game, in terms of swing and conditioning, I have to take care of that first before any adjustment as far as the pitcher. I think it's from this point on that I can start making adjustments to how pitchers are going to pitch me."

Fukudome said he hasn't cut back on his dealing with the Japanese media, even if he doesn't do an on-the-record session every day.

"Sometimes it's great to be able to speak Japanese to somebody outside of the team, and it gives me some comfort at times," he said.

Piniella said he hoped the rests have helped Fukudome.

"We've probably rested him more than any other player here in the second half," Piniella said. "Hopefully that gets him swinging the bat the way he was earlier in the year."