The big questions on Japan's final day of training camp on Thursday all revolved around the fitness of Hiroshima Carp right-hander Kenta Maeda.
From early on, Japan skipper Koji Yamamoto had tabbed Maeda to pitch the team's second game of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, against China on March 3 in Fukuoka. Yet, Maeda's inability to throw anywhere near full speed in camp has raised concerns over his readiness.
After struggling to throw his fastball at a pedestrian 135 kph in a game on Sunday, Maeda took to the bullpen on Thursday. Although the Carp ace demonstrated very little control from the practice mound, he and the coaching staff were quick to call it a step forward.