Two more players late to arrive

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: February 18, 2008 - 11:10 PM

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - The Twins suddenly have more immigration issues, as lefthander Dennys Reyes and infielder Alexi Casilla are rushing to get paperwork completed so they can travel to the United States.

They join Francisco Liriano as Twins players still seeking clearance to enter the country.

Reyes didn't realize until recently that his Mexican passport will expire in three months. He was expected to get his new passport Monday, travel today and join the club Wednesday.

"He had four months to take care of some of this business and he didn't do it," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said.

Casilla, traveling from the Dominican Republic, had what Smith described as "a legitimate family medical emergency" that caused him to miss his visa appointment last week.

The Twins, with Major League Baseball's help, are trying to get Casilla's appointment rescheduled as early as possible. But there's a chance he could miss Saturday's first full-squad workout.

"He did the right thing by taking care of [the emergency]," Smith said, "The question is how fast he can get a replacement appointment."

Liriano remains in the Dominican Republic after his visa application was flagged because of his drunken driving arrest during spring training of 2006.

As mandated by a tougher U.S. immigration policy, the lefthander took a sobriety test on Friday and will meet with a panel physician today.

"We're optimistic that once he clears that hurdle, the [U.S.] Consulate will process his visa -- it may have already been processed [and] they are just holding his passport," Smith said. "They'll process it as quickly as possible."

Liriano might throw off a mound Wednesday at the Twins' Dominican academy in Boca Chica if it looks like he will miss more time.

Etc.

• Dave Pepe, the agent for Twins closer Joe Nathan, will be in Fort Myers today. There's a chance that, among other business, the sides could discuss a contract extension.

• Lefthander Jose Mijares, who fractured his left elbow in an automobile accident last month, can't throw for another month and won't travel from the Dominican until he can.

• Infielder Tommy Watkins is learning how to catch to help his major league chances.

• The Twins' spring home opener is Feb. 29 against Boston, and there's a chance they could face Red Sox righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka.

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