The Sports Xchange reports Nationals P Katsuhiko Maekawa, who signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, had his visa request denied and remains in Japan. The reliever has been dealing with legal troubles stemming from a hit-and-run accident several years ago, and Nationals officials believe that has played a role in the delay in his arrival in the United States. (Updated 03/03/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/16/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Even if Maekawa does make it to spring training, he'll be hard-pressed to have enough time to make an impression on the club in time for opening day. Maekawa did pitch well in the Dominican Republic this winter going 2-1 with a 1.82 ERA for the Gigantes del Cibao and catching the eye of Nationals scouts. Even if he makes the roster, we doubt he'll make a Fantasy impact outside of the deepest of leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 03/03/2008).
No information available at this time.
The Sports Xchange reports Nationals P Katsuhiko Maekawa, who signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, had his visa request denied and remains in Japan. The reliever has been dealing with legal troubles stemming from a hit-and-run accident several years ago, and Nationals officials believe that has played a role in the delay in his arrival in the United States. (Updated 03/03/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/16/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Even if Maekawa does make it to spring training, he'll be hard-pressed to have enough time to make an impression on the club in time for opening day. Maekawa did pitch well in the Dominican Republic this winter going 2-1 with a 1.82 ERA for the Gigantes del Cibao and catching the eye of Nationals scouts. Even if he makes the roster, we doubt he'll make a Fantasy impact outside of the deepest of leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 03/03/2008).
= probable start
