Obri
03-04-2003, 07:16 AM
Feliz in Giants camp
Takes blame for age change, ribbing from teammates
By Rich Draper / MLB.com
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Infielder Pedro Feliz made his belated appearance in the Giants clubhouse Monday at Scottsdale Stadium, chuckled at the "Happy Birthday" balloons compliments of his teammates then promptly carried them to Deivis Santos' empty cubicle, just for fun.
Feliz, held up in his native Dominican Republic by visa problems because of an age discrepancy -- he is actually 27 years old instead of a previously listed 25 -- reported he is in good shape after playing winter ball and training on his own.
"I was working out and did all the things I needed to do," said Feliz. "I knew I was going to get here but not on time like everybody else. But I'm here now. I knew about the balloons before I got here. I knew they were going to do something they thought was funny. I was OK. I had no problem with it."
Feliz admitted his documents were not in order and accepted full responsibility for the problem. "Somebody told me to change my age and I said OK. I never thought about the big leagues then. It wasn't my idea but I said to do it. I can't blame anybody."
Santos, meantime, is still stuck in the Dominican Republic, also because of visa problems. He is considerably older than his listed 23 years of age and reportedly used his brother's name instead of his own. Outfielder Ruben Rivera remains in Panama for a so-far unexplained reason.
Feliz did exercises at Scottsdale Stadium on Monday and did not accompany the squad that played against the Chicago White Sox at Tucson. Most veterans skipped the trip except for right fielder Marvin Benard, shortstop Neifi Perez, center fielder Jose Cruz Jr. and third baseman Edgardo Alfonso.
The skipper speaks: "It was the first [spring outing] for Felix and he was behind the other guys and missed a day or two. He was throwing hard but I didn't expect any command. He didn't pitch winter ball this year, so the strength was there. Next outing he should be OK. But his velocity was there, no question. It had life, heavy life.' -- Felipe Alou on Giants pitcher Felix Rodriguez, who gave up three hits, two walks and two runs against the White Sox at Tucson on Monday.
Physical fitness: Reserve catcher Guillermo Rodriguez suffered a chip fracture of the hamate bone in his right hand on a foul tip Sunday against the Oakland A's in Phoenix. "First game, fourth batter," said Rodriguez, who was wearing a cast that went above the forearm Monday. He will be out of action about three to six weeks, according to trainer Stan Conte.
Quoting 'em: "I didn't have control, but I had my velocity, so it felt good today. I'll do OK this year because my velocity is back. I'm not discouraged about the hits -- that's just part of the game." -- Felix Rodriguez after losing Monday's game against Chicago, 3-1.
Weather report: Nice conditions in Tucson, slightly overcast with temperatures in the mid-60s. Tuesday's forecast for Scottsdale is for mostly sunny with highs in the low 60s.
Coming up: The Giants host San Diego at Scottsdale Stadium 1 p.m. Tuesday, with Jason Schmidt (0-0, 6.75) dueling Padres right-hander Adam Eaton (0-0, 4.50). On Wednesday, the Giants will have split-squad games in Scottsdale vs. the Mariners and against Arizona at Tucson; the starters will be Livan Hernandez and Kurt Ainsworth, respectively.
Rich Draper is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Takes blame for age change, ribbing from teammates
By Rich Draper / MLB.com
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Infielder Pedro Feliz made his belated appearance in the Giants clubhouse Monday at Scottsdale Stadium, chuckled at the "Happy Birthday" balloons compliments of his teammates then promptly carried them to Deivis Santos' empty cubicle, just for fun.
Feliz, held up in his native Dominican Republic by visa problems because of an age discrepancy -- he is actually 27 years old instead of a previously listed 25 -- reported he is in good shape after playing winter ball and training on his own.
"I was working out and did all the things I needed to do," said Feliz. "I knew I was going to get here but not on time like everybody else. But I'm here now. I knew about the balloons before I got here. I knew they were going to do something they thought was funny. I was OK. I had no problem with it."
Feliz admitted his documents were not in order and accepted full responsibility for the problem. "Somebody told me to change my age and I said OK. I never thought about the big leagues then. It wasn't my idea but I said to do it. I can't blame anybody."
Santos, meantime, is still stuck in the Dominican Republic, also because of visa problems. He is considerably older than his listed 23 years of age and reportedly used his brother's name instead of his own. Outfielder Ruben Rivera remains in Panama for a so-far unexplained reason.
Feliz did exercises at Scottsdale Stadium on Monday and did not accompany the squad that played against the Chicago White Sox at Tucson. Most veterans skipped the trip except for right fielder Marvin Benard, shortstop Neifi Perez, center fielder Jose Cruz Jr. and third baseman Edgardo Alfonso.
The skipper speaks: "It was the first [spring outing] for Felix and he was behind the other guys and missed a day or two. He was throwing hard but I didn't expect any command. He didn't pitch winter ball this year, so the strength was there. Next outing he should be OK. But his velocity was there, no question. It had life, heavy life.' -- Felipe Alou on Giants pitcher Felix Rodriguez, who gave up three hits, two walks and two runs against the White Sox at Tucson on Monday.
Physical fitness: Reserve catcher Guillermo Rodriguez suffered a chip fracture of the hamate bone in his right hand on a foul tip Sunday against the Oakland A's in Phoenix. "First game, fourth batter," said Rodriguez, who was wearing a cast that went above the forearm Monday. He will be out of action about three to six weeks, according to trainer Stan Conte.
Quoting 'em: "I didn't have control, but I had my velocity, so it felt good today. I'll do OK this year because my velocity is back. I'm not discouraged about the hits -- that's just part of the game." -- Felix Rodriguez after losing Monday's game against Chicago, 3-1.
Weather report: Nice conditions in Tucson, slightly overcast with temperatures in the mid-60s. Tuesday's forecast for Scottsdale is for mostly sunny with highs in the low 60s.
Coming up: The Giants host San Diego at Scottsdale Stadium 1 p.m. Tuesday, with Jason Schmidt (0-0, 6.75) dueling Padres right-hander Adam Eaton (0-0, 4.50). On Wednesday, the Giants will have split-squad games in Scottsdale vs. the Mariners and against Arizona at Tucson; the starters will be Livan Hernandez and Kurt Ainsworth, respectively.
Rich Draper is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.