There’s been no official announcement by either the Yankees or Mariners of the deal first reported a week ago that would send Jesus Montero (and Hector Noesi) to Seattle for Michael Pineda (and Jose Campos).
Montero/Pineda Trade Held Up By Visa Issues, Weather
Jon Morosi of Fox Sports has the scoop on the holdup; it’s not just the traditional “visa issues” that occasionally plague players from outside the United States, but also something far more prosaic, winter in the Pacific Northwest:
And now Seattle — where Montero’s physical will take place — is dealing with the aftermath of an ice storm that has prompted Washington Governor Christine Gregoire to declare a state of emergency. So even if Montero had clearance to travel, it would be difficult for him to do so.While visa issues for foreign players seem to be common — we hear about these just about every year — winter weather on the level experienced in the Seattle area doesn’t happen all the time. Temperatures in Seattle should move into the 40s by the weekend; once the visa issues are settled, Montero can travel for his physical and the deal should become official soon.
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