The disappointing culture of Major League Baseball

When I was young, I think there was nothing more exciting than going to a Baltimore Orioles game with my dad. I looked forward to baseball, I looked forward to going to the game and being part of the crowd, a part of the excitement, and most importantly a part of the tradition filled culture.

I was excited when Ken Griffey Jr. turned his hat backwards and when Nomar adjusted his gloves. I was excited when Larry Walker wrote 'I'm hitting .400' in the sand and when Joe carter jumped for joy. I looked forward to Cal Ripken breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak and watched in awe when he hit homers on back to back nights, when tying and breaking the record.

But somewhere along the lines that excitement I felt for the game has changed to an expectation of disappointment. Maybe I'm jaded, maybe it's just been a rough few years, but since Roger Maris's record fell in 1998 nothing good has come to the game. 

With the news breaking today of the Nats prized prospect being a phony and a liar, it only capped off what has been a stunningly disappointing week and a half of baseball. This season has yet to begin and already three scandals have hit the news wires. Former Oriole star Miguel Tejada may be going to jail, the hope of the game Alex Rodriguez is a cheat, and now one of the hopes of the Nationals is an apparition. 

It has come to the point where I just expect the worst from the best. I cringe at the thoughts of stars like Albert Pujols or David Wright being caught up in a scandal. I worry that inspirations like Josh Hamilton will be ruined by something, anything, that stands for the opposite of the hope they bring.

It doesn't help that the commissioner, the so called leader or figurehead of our game is a buffoon. The man seems to make the wrong decision on everything, and under his watch all of this has happened. Worse than Bud Selig making the wrong decision is when he refuses to make one at all. Too often do we see him say the words, 'well I'm not going to say that,' or 'it's something I'll have to think about.' The man who is supposed to guide the sport can't even decide what do think or say.

I hope that this is just the fallout of an era that was corrupt, and not a trend of the future. The game has been infused with money, and we know what that has historically done to all institutions. I pray that the game cleans up and I hope that one day I can look forward to opening the sports page, and not dread inevitable disappointment. 

First response about Esmailyngate on Nationals.com

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. 

Great way to kick off camp- 'Gonzalez' is a phony

When Esmailyn Gonzalez first arrived to Washington Nationals camp at the age of 17, he earned the nickname 'Smiley,' because of his constantly pleasant demeanor. However, with the news breaking today it is clear that he wasn't smiling with joy for the game, but because he knew something we all didn't; 19-year-old Esmailyn Gonzalez is actually 23-year-old Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo.

SI.com reported late last night that the prized possession prospect for the Washington Nationals lied about his age en route to signing a record $1.4 million contract in 2006. The signing was a momentous occasion for the young franchise who used it's winning bid for the shortstop as proof of their "pledge to become an industry leader in scouting and player development." 

The news today of Gonzalez's false identity has put both his future with the organization as well as his future in the United States in jeopardy. It is unclear whether the shortstop will even be able to attain a visa to arrive to spring training, assuming the Nationals would even want him.

At 18 his numbers in the Gulf Coast League (.343/.431/,475) were very impressive. While 'Gonzalez,' had considerable tools they weren't yet put together, but his age made up for that. At the age of 23 however he is now considered very raw and the likelihood of his body developing further is very slim. 

The bottom line:

Esmailyn Gonzalez- possible future superstar

Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo- average minor league bum 

more to come...