MLB.com reporter Bill Ladson posted a story today on Esmailyngate, which gives us a little it of insight on how those around the shortstop are taking the report that Gonzalez is actually 23 years old.
Gonzalez's current agent, Stanley King, said early Wednesday morning he was shocked by the revelations."I hope this is a mistake," King said via telephone. "I was at his house this winter and he answered by his [baseball name]. I will look into this."
Former Major League pitcher Jose Rijo who is now a special assistant to Jim Bowden, had a close relationship to Esmailyn Gonzalez and his 'handler' Basillio Vizcaino. Handlers in the Dominican take young players and pay to train and feed them in return for a percentage of their signing bonus when they get with a Major League organization. It was this relationship between Rijo, Vizcaino and Bowden that prompted an FBI investigation over several Nationals Dominican signings in 2008.
"I saw (Gonzalez) for 2 1/2 years (before he signed with the Nationals)," Rijo said, "In the Dominican, you never know anymore. It has been going on so long."
I have a feeling this whole thing may end up being bigger than just 'Gonzalez' lying about his age and name. If somehow there is proof that King, Rijo, or Bowden knew the truth prior to this story breaking, heads could roll. It's not often the Feds get involved in Major League Baseball, it will certainly be interesting to see where this goes.
No comments:
Post a Comment