Orioles: Felix Pie absent
The only significant Orioles absence on the first day of full-squad workouts is newly acquired outfielder Felix Pie, who is the second O's player to have his arrival delayed by visa problems.
Pie was acquired to fill out what is expected to be one of the speediest outfields in the major leagues, so I guess you could see some irony in his slow arrival in camp. No word yet on the specific issue that is holding up his paperwork or when he might show up.
Manager Dave Trembley said this afternoon that he doesn't know when Pie will join the club, but indicated that it won't be a problem if he's only a few days late. Much more than a week is another story.
Infielder Jolbert Cabrera also did not make the first full-squad workout because he was delayed leaving home, but eventually did report today.
Pitcher Alfredo Simon has been delayed in the Dominican for the same reason and could still be a week away.
OK, now you can start with the jokes about how much I am going to miss Pie.
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Comments
Every single year we see these guys being delayed because of visa problems. Am I just naive in thinking that they should be attempting to make sure that their visa problems are diverted weeks in advance of the mandatory report date. And where are the agents in all this? Shouldn't they also have a hand in keeping this from happening?
Posted by: John | February 19, 2009 11:43 AM
He is the missing piece. :)
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | February 19, 2009 11:50 AM
Oh Well, Looks like cake today! :-)
Posted by: scott p | February 19, 2009 11:52 AM
Pete-
This is bad news for Pie. We really need him to start getting some PT. If this takes weeks, this could be bad news.
P.S - Saw you on Seasons on MLB Network for 1981. Good Job!
Posted by: Brian in Federal Hill | February 19, 2009 11:52 AM
Some other possible reasons for Pie being absent...
1. He was in an accident involving an ice cream truck (Pie a la mode)
2. He is recovering from a serious dental procedure (Pie filling)
3. He was injured during a bench clearing brawl in winter ball. (Rhubarb Pie)
4. He was crushed by a rolled up newspaper (Shoofly pie)
5. He was attacked by a band of wild Indians (Custer...I mean, Custard pie)
6. He suffered a severe cut on his hand while eating crabs (Pie shell)
7. He was jumped by members of a gay street gang (Mince Pie)
8. He decided that spring training is too long this year and he decided to stay home and relax for a few more days (Easy as Pie)
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Pete's reply: Chris, you do know you're a very sick man.
Posted by: Chris Joseph | February 19, 2009 12:17 PM
lets put away the anointing oils...Every season is a fresh start, and the best run producing lineup might just be Wigginton as full time 1B, Huff DH, and Scott/Freel or Montanez platoon in left. The kid Pie should be here because he's got serious competition. i'm just sayin'
Posted by: onceawarrior | February 19, 2009 12:24 PM
Where do you want them to "divert" their visa issues to?
Posted by: The Mythical One | February 19, 2009 1:38 PM
Seriously...what is a "visa problem"?? Is this just a euphemism for "corrupt government seeking bribe to let player X out of the country to play baseball"??
Posted by: Ferg | February 19, 2009 1:47 PM
This is ridiculous...great, how Freel is going to start in LF...snore city
Posted by: Cereal Blogger | February 19, 2009 2:03 PM
What kind? Chocolate? Dare I say, Boston cream? Key lime? Lemon meringue? Or 3.14159265....?
Posted by: Greg | February 19, 2009 2:10 PM
He probably has I.D. and Birth Certificate issues to clear up. Once he does, The Orioles will discover that he is 39 and is Carlos Alverez Daniel Lugo's older brother.
Posted by: Gil Jr | February 19, 2009 2:35 PM
Chris,
Great post - golden!
Posted by: Tom C | February 19, 2009 2:41 PM
Hey peter, what times do workouts start tomorrow morning?
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Peter's reply: I think 9 a.m.
Posted by: andrew | February 19, 2009 2:55 PM
That's too much of a softball you tossed up there.
Posted by: Punk Flamingo | February 19, 2009 2:56 PM
I hate to be the guy to spoil the party, but it's pronounced pee-ay. I'm a Cubs fan and just dropped by to congratulate you guys on acquiring the best defensive center fielder in baseball for a song. Pie is all that and a bag of chips.
When he starts hitting, and he will given some playing time, you all are in for a treat.
...and yes, he can fly.
The Cubs are going to regret letting him go much more than they regret the disastrous Lou Brock trade.
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Pete's reply: Yes, we know how to pronounce it, but that can't stand in the way of my self-deprecating humor.
Posted by: Gunner Sykes | February 19, 2009 3:17 PM
When ever I have problems with my Visa. I usually break out my American Express. Don't leave home with out it. Hope Pie isn't having trouble with his birth date. Speaking of birthdays. Do you think Pie prefers cake?
Posted by: Ron | February 19, 2009 3:19 PM
I guess no one will be comfortable until his plane takes off, but even then it'll still just be a Pie-in-the-sky. (Sorry.).
Posted by: Jeff | February 19, 2009 3:20 PM
I guess we won't have Pie-in-the-Sky until this Visa thing gets worked out.
Posted by: cliff | February 19, 2009 3:31 PM
Pie could fall behind Freel, who hits, and hits. Freel can run too. Pie has not shown he can hit major league pitching regularly, but Roger Freel has demonstrated that. Neither hits for power, and that hurts the overall productin of the O's in LF.
AGain, with too many ?s for SP's, it appers the O's wil carry 13 pitchers so that some do not wer out like they did last year. See you March 18 and 19.
Posted by: Nick from Jacksonville, Florida | February 19, 2009 5:39 PM
Talk about leaving a horrible first impression. STRIKE ONE, PIE!
Posted by: Attila the Hon | February 19, 2009 5:41 PM
Now to ice cream.......where is Rocky Cherry?
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Pete's reply: Rocky was taken in the Rule V draft by the Mets.
Posted by: Bill In Elkton | February 20, 2009 9:10 AM