DOMINICAN PLAYERS DETAINED IN MLB CRACKDOWN ON BONUS SCANDALS

ESPN reports dozens of players in the Dominican Republic are being kept there as part of a Major League Baseball probe into allegations of false identifications, bonus kickbacks and performance-enhancing drug smuggling. According to ESPN.com, MLB has officers in Latin countries working with the FBI on investigations “implicating the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals.”

The website claims “one MLB official estimates at there are more than 70 young players being detained in the Dominican and other countries.” The article says MLB commissioner Bud Selig’s office became “heavily involved” after White Sox director of player personnel David Wilder’s smuggling of cash into the USA led to an investigation proving kickbacks of bonus money for teenage prospects were paid to people including those serving as de facto agents for the prospects.

The Nationals paid a $1.4 million bonus in 2006 to prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez, but it was discovered the 19-year-old Gonzalez is really 23-year-old Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo. Nats GM Jim Bowden has since resigned, but the FBI is continuing its investigation into allegations Bowden skimmed money from Latin player bonuses.