It was a mini media circus this morning.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka entered the clubhouse with a throng of Japanese media in tow. After a few moments, Nishioka walked around the entire clubhouse, shaking hands with new teammates. It was like the President was visiting.

He met with Japanese reporters first. Then us.

``I feel that, from participating in this meeting, there is a family atmosphere here," Nishioka said through interpreter Ryo Shinkawa. ``It's an honor to be a part of this from tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to participating in the practices from tomorrow."

Nishioka has worked out on his own - decked out in addias gear, not Twins gear - in recent days. One reason, he said, was that he was adjusting to the differences in working out between the US and Japan. Japanese leagues began spring training on Feb. 1.

``That led to the decision of practicing alone, trying to adjust to that," he said.

Why no Twins gear? I spoke with a veteran Japanese reporter who said that, during their session with Nishioka, that he views tomorrow as a new beginning, the next chapter of his career, and he wanted to wait until the first full squad workout to put on Twins gear for the first time. Sounds like he's built it up to be a big moment.

Francisco Liriano, his shoulder much better after strengthening exercises, threw in the bullpen this morning, so we'll get an update on that after the workout.

Delmon Young reported to camp and told me that his car has not been delivered to Fort Myers, that he drove in from Tampa. A veteran Twins player who shall remain nameless provided me with bad information. My bad, Delmon.

Young does appear to be in good shape, and more muscular than last year.