Last week, we learned that visa problems were going to keep Francisco Liriano from showing up in Ft. Myers in time for the scheduled arrival date for pitchers and catchers. Yesterday, La Velle reported that visa problems would also be preventing Dennys Reyes and Alexi Casilla from arriving to camp on time.
Liriano's issues stem from a DUI arrest back in 2006, and the law that is holding him up is actually a relatively new one implemented within the past year. As such, his situation is excusable. Likewise, Casilla missed an appointment to pick up his visa due to what Bill Smith described as "a legitimate family medical emergency," so we can let that slide too. But as far as I can tell, the only reason Reyes didn't notice until recently that his visa is set to expire in a few weeks is that he never bothered to check. To me, that's unacceptable.
Reyes and Casilla each took a major step backward from 2006 to 2007, and both will be looking to rebound here in 2008.
On another note, here is a Joe Mauer interview spliced with some early spring warm-up videos, courtesy of Noah Pranksy and ABC 7 Sports.
Meanwhile, Twins' manager Ron Gardenhire proves he's even more hip than Mitt Romney with this quote in a story about Livan Hernandez's large earrings:
Reyes and Casilla each took a major step backward from 2006 to 2007, and both will be looking to rebound here in 2008.
On another note, here is a Joe Mauer interview spliced with some early spring warm-up videos, courtesy of Noah Pranksy and ABC 7 Sports.
Meanwhile, Twins' manager Ron Gardenhire proves he's even more hip than Mitt Romney with this quote in a story about Livan Hernandez's large earrings:
"We talked to him [Hernandez] about those things. We don't wear bling-blings on the field," Gardenhire said. "... I told him he can't wear those anymore. So he's game-on."
4 comments:
I agree, the visa issues are very frustrating. These guys have been doing this every spring and they should have this stuff figured out.
What do the Nick's think of the Joe Nathan contract rumors? I find it hard to believe the Twins are "seriously" thinking of signing a long-term contract. An elite closer is considered a luxury. I'd love to see Nathan stay, but I don't expect any new deal.
What do the Nick's think of the Joe Nathan contract rumors? I find it hard to believe the Twins are "seriously" thinking of signing a long-term contract. An elite closer is considered a luxury. I'd love to see Nathan stay, but I don't expect any new deal.
I have a hard time seeing the two sides come to an agreement. It sounds like Nathan isn't all that interested in pushing the market for closers, which is refreshing, but he's still going to be looking for around $12M per year I'm guessing. Probably not a luxury the Twins can afford.
Alexi Casilla's situation is different, in that he had everything all planned out, and a family emergency occurred. Although the details of the emergency have not been reported (and don't need to be), I'm content knowing the Twins fully support Casilla.
Nick,
While I am sure there may be an attention issue with Reyes, the Twins situation is not unique.
A small item in the Washington Post yesterday noted that the Washington Nationals had 7 (seven) pitchers and catchers stuck in visa hell.
I have a client which is a small subsidiary of a UK company, the Owners son was coming to work here in the US, and his work visa took over 2 months longer to finalize then he was originally expecting.
There aught to be a way, yet one is relying on the Embassy I believe.
Regards
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