I am always very hesitant to post unsubstantiated rumors here but there has been some discussion taking place in the previous thread’s comments about an alleged investigation of the Nationals.
Here is the background:
- Earlier this season, the Chicago White Sox fired their Director of Player Personnel (Dave Wilder) and two scouts “following an ongoing investigation in Latin America that has been turned over to federal authorities.”
- There has been no official reason provided but I’ll point you to this excellent post that offers possibilities of “money, drugs, or falsifying documents”
- Since the federal authorities are involved, I would imagine that Wilder and the scouts are talking to them about what they know
The guys at Saber Scouting have confirmed through their sources that the Nationals are being investigated (see the comments).
What does this mean?
Honestly, I have no idea.
It could be something as simple as MLB’s investigative unit doing their due diligence with regards to what has happened or is happening in the international realm. Or it could be something more serious.
Obviously no one from MLB, the feds or the Nats are going to comment publicly about an ongoing investigation.
John | 02-Jul-08 at 1:50 pm | Permalink
If it’s skimming I’d imagine that it’s something along the lines of a Nat’s Dominican scout making a deal with a player and saying “we’ll give you $700K” and then telling Nat’s management that they need 800K to sign the player. The extra 100K is then pocketed by the scout and probably the player’s buscone(Dominican agent). IMO, it’s doubtful that it goes higher than that.
Berndaddy | 02-Jul-08 at 2:21 pm | Permalink
John
My mother’s Honduran and not to sound prejudiced, but this is kind of the way of doing business in Latin America.
Money don’t leave home without it…
Louis J | 02-Jul-08 at 4:29 pm | Permalink
Defends on which fed agency is involved..
Drugs and cash could be very serious…false documents could be who knew what, remember Little Leaguer Danny Almonte.
Suns Fan | 03-Jul-08 at 1:38 am | Permalink
If its drugs, it could just be that somebody in the Nats organization tested positive for steroids. Could just be due diligence related to that.
Suns Fan | 03-Jul-08 at 1:39 am | Permalink
False documents would probably be a more serious crime than the drugs, especially if it involves fraudulently obtaining a green card.