Tuesday, March 03, 2009

MLB's Buyer Beware Problem in the DR

This story from sports illustrated on the various ways in which MLB teams have tried to overcome fraud in their recruitment practices in the Dominican Republic is very interesting, and illustrates the various ways the private sector has solutions that evolve and emerge. Especially in a environment where the activity is approach to fraud is constantly evolving. Here's a teaser:
When signing a teenage prospect, scouts in the Dominican Republic have always worried about what they might get, but now they must worry about who they might get. Two weeks ago SI.com revealed that Washington Nationals prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez, who had been signed to a team-record $1.4 million bonus in 2006, was really Carlos Alvarez, and that he was four years older than he had been purported to be. In the wake of the scandal Nationals general manager Jim Bowden resigned and Bowden's special assistant, Jose Rijo, was fired.

No comments: