The MLB is on the right track in imposing drug testing for international prospects. The league sourced out most of its players from the Dominican Republic where most young athletes train hard hoping for a good job in the majors. However, doping is still a major issue among Dominican baseball players. One of the problems in the country is the availability of performance enhancing drugs which can be purchased anytime from health stores. This is a temptation for some athletes since anabolic steroids and other PED’s can provide them with the strength, bigger physique and endurance. Other PED’s even promise improvement in the skills of the player.

The Baseball America website reported recently that one of the many players aspiring for a slot in the Major League Baseball tested positive for an anabolic steroids. The top prospect Dominican outfielder Edwin Moreno tested for stanozolol which is more popular in the market as Winstrol. This could affect his bid to play in the majors if he will be tested positive again in the second round of testing. The test was also confirmed by his trainer Victor Baez. Three other players under his tutelage also failed the steroid test. They were Hector Veloz from Santiago, a power-hitting third baseman, lefthander Eduardo Ramos from Mao and lefthander Emmanuel DeJesus from San Francisco de Macoris.

However, Baez argued that he did not dope his players. He said that the players took an over the counter supplement from General Nutrition Centers. It was unintentional doping because the substance was not listed as one of the ingredients of the supplement. He admitted that he purchased the protein supplements from the GNC but denied that he injected them with anything like steroids.

Baez also pointed out that he would never do anything that will ruin the career of these young players. “What they’re doing with this kid is really, really unfair. This kid has worked since he was 13 with me to do what he does.” Under the MLB’s registration program, international prospects are subject to age verifications and required to be tested for banned substances. “I have signed 46 players officially. For the record, MLB has never found one fake age or one fake doping test. How can you say that, for my most expensive kid, that I would have him dirty in the doping test? I would be either very stupid or very naive,” added Baez.

It was also reported that 20 of the 40 players eligible to the international signing who registered with the league last month tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. The MLB’s representative to the Dominican operations declined to comment on the issue. Sandy Alderson said that the investigation is not yet complete and the results of the drug test are confidential. These are only made available to the player, parents, general managers and assistant general managers from the team. Baez told the media that he met with the parents of the players who tested positive for anabolic steroids.

Edwin Moreno could be playing with the Mets where a seven figure bonus is waiting for him. Moreno, who is a lefthander, has a wide range of skills. At 6′1″ and 183 pounds, he is considered a good runner and has a good approach to hitting. He might be positioned as a corner outfielder according to some scouts. However, his positive test for Winstrol will forever haunt him once the MLB gave him the chance.

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