Visa issues delay three arrivals
Every Nationals pitcher and catcher reported yesterday, the official opening of spring training, aside from relievers Henry Rodriguez and Elvin Ramirez and catcher Carlos Maldonado. Those three experienced visa delays, and they should arrive sometime soon.
At the moment, Nationals pitchers and catchers are taking physicals.
By
Adam Kilgore
| February 16, 2011; 9:11 AM ET
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So Strasburg is in camp? I'm surprised he arrived without any media attention. Wow.
Posted by: cassander | February 16, 2011 9:40 AM | Report abuse
Odds are Elvin Ramirez was a waste of a Rule 5 pick. Him not being in camp doesn't help his chances of being a National.
Posted by: PNatsFan | February 16, 2011 9:56 AM | Report abuse
PNatsFan
Since when does a player (or anyone) have control over their getting a visa?
Maybe MLB and the MLBPA should change the rules concerning reporting dates for players from countries where visa problems occur to have them arrive, not necessarily report, three or four days early. It may sound prejudiced, but early arrivals could be a way of giving those players a better chance of starting at the same time as other players.
Posted by: KenzAFan | February 16, 2011 11:00 AM | Report abuse
PNats Fan: Do you think the pick was wasted because the Nats should have selected another available player? I don't follow the minors closely, so I don't know who was available. (And I assume by your handle, you do.)
FWIW: I know that the vast majority of Rule V picks don't pan out, but I generally like the approach. $25,000 and a spot in spring training seems to be a reasonable trade off for potentially finding a live bullpen arm.
Posted by: NattyFan | February 16, 2011 11:15 AM | Report abuse
I can't see Ramirez on the final 25; the question is if we see something we like can we work out a trade, which I believe is the more likely scenario. As far as a waste of a pick, show me a place we have a spot to carry someone for the entire season, and if you are like me and believe a spot doesn't exist then any pick would be a waste of a pick.
Posted by: SCNatsFan | February 16, 2011 11:35 AM | Report abuse
If Ramirez or Broderick are on the 25 man roster it will be a sign that they are believed to be exceptional prospects who are ready to contribute. The staff is loaded with qualified competing players. Even if they prove exceptional and ready, it seems more likely the Nationals will attempt a trade than rostering. Perhaps Severino or Gonzalez would be useful to the Mets/Cardinals.
Posted by: whatsaNATaU | February 16, 2011 11:53 AM | Report abuse
Count me as one who likes the idea of gambling on rule 5 guys. I mean with all the other money being thrown around, $25,000 is not that big a loss. I also think we will try to work a trade out if Ramirez proves himself this spring. It is sure not the players fault about the visa and lets hope it gets straightened out soon.
go nats
Posted by: sjm3091 | February 16, 2011 11:23 PM | Report abuse
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