MLB investigates Domincan age issues

The recent age fraud revelations of Miguel Tejada, Vladimir Guerrero and a Washington Nationals signee have resulted in a full-blown investigation by Major League Baseball into age lying in Dominican Republic baseball circles.

Consulate spokesman David Searby said he could not immediately comment.

"They have asked us to investigate, and we have detected around 42 cases of possible irregularities related to the real age of these young men," said Melendez, who also is Puerto Rico's general manager during the World Baseball Classic.

The investigation began a week ago.

Several Latino players have said they lied about their ages in recent years, including Vladimir Guerrero and Miguel Tejada.

Melendez said players found lying about their age could face a cancellation or temporary revocation of their visas. The State Department would make that decision, he said.

Certainly future legislation will result in a statute of limitations with regard to players who have already confessed their actual age. It would be difficult to punish Vlad or Tejada with retrospective rules.