Not that it Matters, But Here's a Belisario Update

With everything that has happened this season, the Ronald Belisario saga seems to have happened 2 seasons ago.  But it didn't, the reality of the situation is that the Dodger reliever encountered visa problems as little as five months ago.

Belisario during last season's Venezuelan Winter League campaign

Now here we are in early August, the season a lost cause as far as the Dodgers are concerned, and nobody seems to even remember Ronald Belisario.  It was just two years ago that Belisario was throwing nasty stuff and shattering bats continuously, with an exploding sinker that induced ground balls at an alarming rate.

2009, was a year that seemed so promising and Belisario played a key role with the club.   It was a Dodger team that finished with the best record in the league.  It had a bullpen lineup of Belisario, Kuo and Broxton that was very respected and effective.  It wasn't that long ago.  But so many things have gone wrong since, and Belisario, unable to keep himself clean, lost his admissibility privileges to the United States in the process, and hundreds of thousands of dollars as well.

So here's the latest update on Belisario.  There's nothing earth shattering.  It's just an article that announces that he'll be playing in the Venezuelan Winter League.

CLICK HERE for BELISARIO ARTICLE (in Spanish)

Translated below:

August 9, 2011

Belisario Given the Chance to Train Early

Caracas--Between the 15th and 25th of September, the Margarita Braves will conduct a minicamp in Chirgua, Carabobo Stadium, in which Ronald Belisario should be present to work out.

These practices are primarily for "invited players, rookies and new players that are considered to need time in order to get in shape," according to the team's web page.

Belisario is considered a fundamental piece of the team for the 2011/12 winter league season.  The closer was almost un-hittable in last years season, with 14 saves in 17 chances.  He had an ERA of 1.00 in 18 appearances, with 4 walks and 15 strikeouts.

The relief pitcher from Maracaya was guaranteed a big league job with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but because he failed to appear for an appointment with the U.S. Embassy, he was denied an entry visa.  At this time, he is not playing for any team.

-----end of article----

I guess the writer didn't want to address the fact that Belisario probably was denied a visa due to his substance abuse issues.