February 20, 201214 yr He'll be late to ST & probably won't be on the opening day roster but the Marlins expect him to return in the near future... Finally. Only one day remains before Marlins pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Jupiter. The Marlins, White Sox and Rangers are the last teams to get things going. The report date sounds much more significant than it actually is, as players are required to do nothing more than phone in and say, 'I'm here.' As far as actual activity is concerned, pitcher and catchers will conduct their first workout Wednesday afternoon -- after they've completed their medical physicals -- on the back diamonds at Roger Dean Stadium. Barring some unexpected turn of events, reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo will not be part of the festivities. The pitcher formerly known as Leo Nunez remains in the Dominican Republic as he continues to seek legal clearance to return to the U.S. The Marlins aren't sure when Oviedo, who is on their restricted list and doesn't count toward the 40-man roster, will be given the green light. But team preident David Samson said last month that it is more likely than not that Oviedo will not be on the Opening Day roster. If and when Oviedo receives clearance -- and the consensus belief is that he will return at some point in the near future -- he could still face disciplinary action from the league. His absence helps assure competition for a bullpen spot or two, with relievers such as Jose Ceda, Chris Hatcher, Sandy Rosario, Evan Reed, and Chad Gaudin (a non-roster invite) figuring to be in the mix. Barring injuries, the fixtures are expected to be Heath Bell, Mike Dunn,Ryan Webb, Edward Mujica, Randy Choate and Steve Cishek. That leaves two spots, one of which will presumably go to a long man, possibly Wade LeBlanc. http://miamiherald.t...ers-report.html
February 21, 201214 yr Its probable we're going with a 7 man pen, which means there's only one spot. Which should go to Ceda. We really don't need Oviedo and his salary.
February 21, 201214 yr Its probable we're going with a 7 man pen, which means there's only one spot. Which should go to Ceda. We really don't need Oviedo and his salary. I've heard from numerous sources (TV & radio) Oviedo was signed probably just to have a piece to trade with later this year. I guess he won't get too much work - at least until the end of June when we need to start showing him off for the trade deadline.
February 21, 201214 yr Yea I gotta agree... the Marlins only want Oviedo back to be potential trade bait.
February 21, 201214 yr Its probable we're going with a 7 man pen, which means there's only one spot. Which should go to Ceda. We really don't need Oviedo and his salary. I've heard from numerous sources (TV & radio) Oviedo was signed probably just to have a piece to trade with later this year. I guess he won't get too much work - at least until the end of June when we need to start showing him off for the trade deadline. I'm in agreement. I think I skimmed the article a little too quickly and thought it hinted that he would be back with the Marlins in the near future.
February 22, 201214 yr Marlins are now unsure whether he'll be able to make it for any part of spring training... JUPITER, Fla. -- Reliever Juan Carlos Oviedo remains in the Dominican Republic, his travel restricted after he played under a fake name for seven major league seasons, and theMiami Marlins are uncertain whether he'll join them for any part of spring training. Formerly known as Leo Nunez, Oviedo is working with the U.S. and Dominican governments to obtain a visa, Marlins president of baseball operations Admin Beinfest said. The team's other pitchers reported for camp Tuesday. Oviedo has a $6 million, one-year contract with the Marlins, who might trade him if his immigration status is cleared up. They signed All-Star Heath Bell to replace Oviedo as their closer in December. Oviedo has said he used a fake name and age when he was young to play professionally. http://espn.go.com/m...mi-marlins-camp
February 24, 201214 yr Juan says he misses us (AWWW...) & that he plans to try to obtain a visa next week to come for spring training. JUPITER — Marlins reliever Edward Mujica opened his cellphone Thursday and played the latest voice message from his close friend, relief pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo. "He sent me this last night,' Mujica said, listening on speaker phone as the raspy voice of Oviedo complained in Spanish about how much he misses his Marlins teammates. Pitchers and catchers opened camp Monday but Oviedo still is in the Dominican Republic, where he is trying to resolve issues after admitting to using a fake name, Leo Nunez. "He is going crazy trying to get here,' Mujica said, offering a rough translation of Oviedo's message. "He texted me yesterday, 'How was your first day?' He just wants to start working and stay with his teammates.' Mujica said Oviedo plans to visit the U.S. Embassy next week to try to obtain a work visa that would let him report to spring training. But the Marlins don't seem optimistic about seeing Oviedo this spring. "It'll be a pleasant surprise,' one team official said. Oviedo has a $6 million, one-year contract with the Marlins, who might trade him if he resolves his immigration problems. For now, the Marlins are building their bullpen assuming Oviedo is not available. Pitching under the name Nunez, he averaged 70 appearances the last three seasons for the Marlins. Last year, he saved a career-high 36 games. But his identity issue, which surfaced in September, played a role in the Marlins signing closer Heath Bell to a three-year, $27 million contract in December. If Oviedo returns, he could become the set-up man, a role Mujica now is expected to fill. Mujica is glad that the Marlins signed Bell, who has averaged 44 saves over the last three seasons. But he said the staff will be better if Nunez is a part of it. "We miss him," Mujica said. "He's an important piece to the bullpen." Sitting in the clubhouse, Mujica pointed at Latin teammates Anibal Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez and Emilio Bonifacio. "Every day, we're all talking about him,' he said of Oviedo. http://www.palmbeach...eo-2195700.html
February 24, 201214 yr He could be great as a 5th/6th/7th inning guy! Get that visa! Yeah, that's exactly the type of guy I want for 6 million dollars!
February 24, 201214 yr Erick don't be ridiculous. There's clearly a clause in his statement that claims that they're Dominican dollars!
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