If it comes to that, why not Fukudome in center field?

Last winter we were told that Sam Fuld was going to be the surprise of spring training.

Forgive me if I was skeptical then, and for reminiscing now.

But it was difficult to believe that the Cubs really thought they could win a World Series with Fuld or Felix Pie in center field.

More important, it was beyond reason to think Lou Piniella bought it.

Piniella probably wondered then what he would do if one of them didn't work, and it's Piniella now who wonders what he'll do next if the Jim Edmonds experiment goes as most figure it will.

Which takes us back to the winter and the signing of Kosuke Fukudome, who was then, and is now, the most logical candidate to solve the Cubs' center-field dilemma.

Royals manager Trey Hillman, who managed against Fukudome in Japan, said last December, "I have no reservations with him playing in a center field that wasn't a huge gap-coverage outfield."

It may not be what he wants, and it's not what the Cubs had in mind, but neither of those items matter a spit to Piniella, if he believes it's the solution.

Piniella wasn't afraid to move Alfonso Soriano from right, to center, to left, when he figured out he had to hide Soriano's glove somewhere, and the only reason he doesn't move him down in the order is that he knows Soriano will tank on him.

Besides, Fukudome is a pro's pro, and he will do what the team needs him to do.

The Cubs also told us when they signed Fukudome that he could play center field if necessary. Well, it may become necessary, and it's a lot easier to find right fielders on the market and in your farm system.

Matt Murton is serviceable, and they just shifted Iowa first baseman Micah Hoffpauir to right, so perhaps they already have this in mind as a last resort.

There is, of course, the Ken Griffey option, or the fleecing of poor sisters like Tampa, Pittsburgh, Washington and Florida, getting the player they need while giving nothing in return, which is something of a Cubs specialty.

But Tampa and Florida are playing well, and it's too early for Pittsburgh and Washington to tell their fans the season is over. They usually wait until July for that.

That leaves the Rangers' Milton Bradley as perhaps the best available out there, until the weather and the races heat up.

In the meantime, don't be shocked if the Cubs deny they'll even dream of moving Fukudome to center.

And then don't be surprised, after running out of options, if they're forced to do exactly that.

Bull stuff

It's been four weeks since we suggested Brian Shaw as someone who fit the description of what John Paxson was looking for in a coaching candidate, and he's just now getting around to the Lakers assistant.

At this rate, and based on the Mike D'Antoni experience, Shaw should be in his second year as the Suns' head coach by the time Paxson makes him an offer.

Two for the road

Our other suggestions, if John Paxson gets bored with the process, were Dallas assistant coach Mario Elie and Denver assistant Adrian Dantley.

The other hand

The good news is the Bulls general manager knows the team needs a change of pace and an altered style, and that's why he wanted D'Antoni.

He was right.

The dry, old, tired thinking of how the Bulls should play obviously has bored the players and fans to tears, and that's why the players and fans wanted D'Antoni.

Meanwhile, how many titles did the Bulls win with the Scott Skiles' version of plodding, defensive misery and slower-than-molasses offense that put everyone to sleep, including the players?

Must have missed all those parades.

Best timing

When the Chicago Wolves travel to Toronto, coach John Anderson will get to see his son Spencer, a forward for the Kitchener Rangers, who are playing in the Memorial Cup about 40 minutes away.

Anderson won the Cup in 1975 with the Toronto Marlies, the team with the same name his Wolves will face beginning Friday at the Allstate Arena.

Let it ride

You know what they say, nothing ventured, nothing … ventured, so what would you say to Kentucky Bear in the Preakness at about 15-1?

Bong recreation area

Comedian Alex Kaseberg: "The Olympic torch was carried to the top of Mt. Everest, making it the highest an Olympic torch carrier has been -- if you don't count the time the torch went through San Diego State.''

Pitching glitch

Dan Daly of the Washington Times: "I'm watching Rick Ankiel throw out two runners at third base in one game -- from distant center field, no less -- and I'm thinking: If only the Cardinals had moved the pitching rubber back to 200 feet for him."

And finally …

Wolves coach John Anderson, on winger Joe Motzko missing several point-blank chances in the series with Rockford: "We're hiding all the butter knives until we get him some practice shooting at an open net.''

brozner@dailyherald.com