By now you've heard about or read the SI.com story on Esmaliyn Gonzalez (the MVP of the Gulf Coast League championship), whom I wrote about in a blog back in the fall.

     Turns out that's not his real name, or his age. His real name is Carlos Lugo, and he's 23...not 19, as was stated by Nationals officials (and me). I only learned this just a moment ago, by reading the D.C. Pro Sports Report (DCPSR) blog here in FanNation and clicking on the SI.com story.

     The question here has nothing to do with his talent. Instead, we're focused on just why the FBI became interested last fall in Jim Bowden's dealings with Dominican Republic players/agents, etc.

     Now we know the reason.

     I haven't had time to truly disseminate this story, so I can't truly express my emotion towards this blatant deception of Nats fans (and baseball fans as a whole) by the people responsible.

     Just what the hell I need right now; another goddamned insult to my intellect and dignity--not to mention the dignity of Nationals fans--to make this franchise a joke.

     Addendum: I had meant to say that Gonzalez had given his age (in '06) as 16...when in reality he was 20. The confusion about 19/23 was mine. It's what his age WOULD'VE been this year (lie, then truth). It pays to watch "Hot Stove" on the MLB Network, and read the crawl on the bottom...LMFAO

     Just needed to clarify things.