For the love of Pete Pedro Pierre ...

If you haven’t heard, Cleveland Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona is being held in his home country of the Dominican Republic for falsifying information. What information? His name (Roberto Hernandez Heredia) and his age (31, not 28 as he has stated). What is even crazier is that Carmona Heredia isn’t even the first MLB pitcher to get caught this offseason.

The man formerly known as Leo Nunez pitched for the Marlins this past season before getting held up in the DR and charged with falsifying information. His real name? Juan Carlos Oviedo. Age? 29, not 28 as he has claimed.

Two players with Hall of Fame credentials, Vladimir Guerrero and Miguel Tejada, were both busted within the past 5 years of lying about their age. Tejada claimed to be 2 years younger than he was and Guerrero said he was 1 year younger than actuality. It’s crazy to consider just how many other players may be disguising themselves as well.

I understand that there simply aren’t the same opportunities in the DR and Cuba for talented athletes. But to lie to this extent? Thinking no one will ever find out? That’s just ignorance. If you can play, you can play. And believe me, teams will pay.