Japanese Media Covering More Than Nomo

Reporters from Japan began their annual Hideo Nomo watch in earnest Sunday, tracking the pitcher’s movement while he threw batting practice for the first time.

Nomo, working in front of a throng of Japanese reporters, photographers and cameramen, faced hitters for about 15 minutes at Holman Stadium. The right-hander, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his throwing elbow in October, threw mostly fastballs as he continued his rehabilitation program.

“His delivery has been unrestricted, and that’s what you want to see at this point,” pitching coach Glenn Gregson said. “Nomo is a unique pitcher in that he knows his body as good or better than any of [the coaches do], so we’re not worried about his velocity right now.

“It’s still very early, and he’s coming along at his own pace. We definitely haven’t seen any red flags though.”

Japanese news organizations have sent many representatives to cover the Dodgers since Nomo signed in 1995, but their presence this season until Sunday had been uncharacteristically unassuming.

One reason is that Nomo hadn’t thrown much, and he hasn’t been especially talkative about his progress. Also, the group has been busy covering New York Met right-hander Masato Yoshii, who is in his first season in the major leagues after a 14-year career in Japan.

The Mets train in Port St. Lucie, about 25 miles south of Vero Beach. Yoshii has been the hot story in Japan because he’s trying to make the Mets’ starting rotation, but he hasn’t been burdened by the same scrutiny Nomo faces daily.

With Nomo regaining form and exhibition games beginning Friday, the Japanese press corps plans to split time between Vero Beach at Port St. Lucie.

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Chan Ho Park already appears in midseason form. Park added muscle during the off-season, and his fastball is crackling. Dodger officials are giddy when they speak about the South Korean right-hander, who is among the organization’s untouchables. “All he needs now is to get the ball every fifth day,” Gregson said. “The rest will take care of itself.” . . . The Dodgers apparently are holding firm against packaging right-hander Ismael Valdes in a trade for Seattle Mariner left-hander Randy Johnson. But it appears Wilton Guerrero would be part of any deal.