Clarifying Pie (updated)
Now that newly acquired outfielder Felix Pie is expected momentarily in camp, it's probably a good time to clear up some misconceptions about his delayed arrival. It apparently was not the result of some kind of screwup by Pie and certainly was not because of any intransigence on the part of Dominican government officials.
Pie, and other foreign players living in their home countries, have to go through the American consulate to get a work visa before every season. It's a fairly routine procedure, but is subject to the fits and starts of government bureaucracy and has become more complicated and time-consuming in the post-9/11 world.
The reason Pie's got hung up: He was traded to the Orioles late in the offseason and had to refile his application because of the change of employer. The government moves at it's own pace, though I wouldn't be surprised if there are times when the process moves faster for the better-known players or if someone influential intervenes on behalf of the applicant. You can visit the U.S. government visa site on the Web to get an official explanation of the process.
Update within an update: Pie has arrived at Fort Lauderdale Stadium and is expected to speak to the media after he undergoes his physical.
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Comments
Off topic, but it's a blog and I'm bored.....Pete, In 30 years, when internet news sites are losing readers and revenue, and there are too many blogs to keep up with - will someone come up with a brilliant new concept of delivering a paper copy to people's doorsteps to bolster readership? We may have drool cups holstered to our chins by then, but I'm just wondering.
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Pete's reply: I think you're ahead of your time.
Posted by: Mike N | February 24, 2009 10:27 AM
How many unsearched ships enter the port of Baltimore each day? But a baseball player is dangerous. He's got no yellow cake but his name is Pie.
Posted by: Metal Van Dave | February 24, 2009 10:49 AM
Seems to me there is a simple solution to this problem. Sports players should turn in their paperwork saying they are employed by a franchise of MLB (or NBA or NHL for that matter) for their entry visas. If/when players are traded or move via free agency or waivers, that paperwork would be between the league and the State department and would not hold up the entry of a player. (The exception would be those on independent minor league teams.) I'm sure some bureaucrat in DC will explain to us that this syetem would be a grevious threat to our security, but it makes too much sense from this outpost.
Posted by: Edd | February 24, 2009 11:02 AM
Pete, thanks for clarifying the process a little. Sometimes we always think the player is late doing something when it comes to these Visa problems. I had no idea it could be because of a late trade or something like that.
Posted by: mikepcfl | February 24, 2009 11:07 AM
Clarifying Pie
Is that some sort of Shampoo Pie? Does it make your stomach less greasy?
Posted by: reebus | February 24, 2009 11:08 AM
Peter: Nice bit of reporting on Rick Kranitz's views on the starting rotation.
That said, Kranitz would be a more effective manager of 37 employees if he hadn't just let all of them know he has favorites already.
Consider the fact that the O's will need somewhere from 8 to 11 starting pitchers over the course of the season, based on injuries and ineffectiveness (could be more, but that would indicate total breakdown.)
At least three of those 2009 Orioles starting pitchers -- and probably more -- are going to start the year in the minor leagues. They might have done so with a better attitude if they didn't believe they were never one of Kranitz's favorites.
Done is done, but I hope Kranitz doesn't repeat such a non-motivating statement. (Please note that I agree that it's absolutely your responsibility to report it if he does.)
Posted by: section 34 | February 24, 2009 11:23 AM
I wonder if he will tell us we all should be ashamed for opposing gay marriage?
Posted by: terpfan | February 24, 2009 11:28 AM