Ranger Suarez has finally shown up to Clearwooder after having visa issues in Venezuela. He arrived by way of Panama and then Colombia before he got to the States. Ranger Suarez spent more time with customs than Xzibit:

Why was Ranger stuck in Venezuela? Of course it’s the lockout’s fault, according to Scott Lauber over at the Philly Inquirer:

Issues related to the timeliness of getting a visa to play in the United States are common for major leaguers who don’t have a green card. But the process was exacerbated this year because players were cut off from communicating with their teams during the owners’ 99-day lockout that ended Thursday night.

Teams can often expedite matters by writing letters to consulates, filling out forms, and facilitating appointments to get players to spring training on time. (The Phillies helped) Suárez early in the offseason by providing him an I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and an I-94 form that is needed for entry to the U.S.

But players and agents were on their own to continue the process once the owners locked the players out on Dec. 2. And because nobody knew how long the lockout would last or when spring training would begin, it was unclear to players who were applying for visas — and the consulate offices they were dealing with — when they would actually resume working.

Can someone get Red Ranger citizenship please? Joe Biden, if you’re a fan of the Phillies like you say you are, maybe we move Ranger to the top of the list instead of our #3 starter having to play some catch with his friends: