Same old Greek story

Another day, another profile of a member of the "Greek" national team:

Clay Bellinger grew up in Oneonta, N.Y., won two World Series rings in the Bronx and currently plays for the Ottawa Lynx (AAA) in the Orioles' organization.The quintessential utilityman, a guy who has played all sorts of positions in all sorts of places, the 35-year-old Bellinger will try an altogether new role in August, when he's expected to make his debut as a Greek third baseman.

...

Bellinger doesn't speak Greek, has never been to Greece and knows a good deal more about homers than Homer, about Monument Park than the Parthenon. This makes him not much different from Bobby Kingsbury, former Fordham [University] star, present Hickory (N.C.) Crawdad and aspiring Greek right fielder.

"I just became a Greek citizen today," Kingsbury said enthusiastically, not long after leaving the Greek consulate in Chicago. "I'm really excited about it. The Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

There is also information about "Greek" pitchers Kevin Pickford, Pete Sikaris and A.J. Brack; outfielder Cory Harris; catchers Erik Pappas and Mike Tonis; shortstop Nick Theodorou and manager Rob Derksen.

We learn that Derksen has already lost one of his minor-leaguers because he has been called up the The Show: Colorado Rockies second baseman Aaron Miles.

The team's two native Greek players don't get as much mention in the article as they will get playing time in the Games.