Fukudome likely to settle into No. 5 spot

MESA, Ariz. -- Now the question becomes where Kosuke Fukudome bats in the Cubs' lineup.

During last month's Cubs convention, manager Lou Piniella stated that Fukudome would be well-suited to hitting second, third or fifth.

"I have been batting third in Japan for a long time," Fukudome said Friday on his arrival to spring training. "That's where I have my rhythm, and I would feel comfortable there. But the manager makes the lineup, and wherever Lou puts me in the lineup, I will do the job I'm supposed to do. I will try to do the job I'm supposed to do."

First baseman Derrek Lee holds down the No. 3 spot, so it's likely Fukudome will end up fifth.

"I think this young man can hit anywhere in the lineup," Piniella said. "But for our ballclub, I think either the second hole or the fifth hole would be really, really good spots for him to hit in when we play our regular lineup in its entirety. We'll see what spring training brings."

In 81 games during an injury-shortened season in Japan last year, Fukudome had an on-base percentage of .443. That might make it tempting for Piniella to hit him second.

"It takes you higher up in the order," Piniella said. "About the only thing with our ballclub is that we're very right-handed, and we need to break up our right-hand hitting a little bit. That's why I see 5. But, really, the No. 2 hole would be excellent for him. We'll see."

The spring thing: Spring training in Japan is said to be more rigorous than it is in the United States.

On most days before the games start, the Cubs take the field at 9:30 a.m. and knock off just after noon.

"I'm not worried," Kosuke Fukudome said. "If I have a space to swing the bat, I can get my work in. I know what I need to do, and I will get the job done to get ready."

Fukudome added that he ran into Cubs teammate Shingo Takatsu at dinner Thursday and that Takatsu assured him things will be fine.

"I was told from him that the Cubs actually do work out pretty hard from the first day," Fukudome said.

Numbers game: Pitcher Jon Lieber has his familiar No. 32 back. Lieber agreed to give Daryle Ward a watch for Ward to make the switch from No. 32 to 33.

"He's a veteran guy; he's got more time in the league than I do," Ward said. "We made a pretty nice deal for it. I like the number. I waited a long time to get 32, but you go to take care of your pitchers."

Lieber seemed appreciative.

"Daryle was awesome," Lieber said. "I just really wanted to thank him for doing that. I've played against Daryle for a lot of years. I just really appreciate him doing that."

In position: Position players don't have to report until Monday, but many are here already. Matt Murton checked in Friday, and rumor was going around that Alfonso Soriano would show up today, but the Cubs couldn't confirm that.

Among those in and out during the early going are Sam Fuld, Felix Pie, Ryan Theriot, Eric Patterson, Tyler Colvin, Micah Hoffpauir and Casey McGehee, in addition to Daryle Ward and Kosuke Fukudome.