The Washington Nationals are not happy with one of their player prospects. [duped]

Carlos David Alvarez, who’s been going by Esmailyn “Smiley” Gonzalez, apparently tricked the Nats into thinking he was a teenage shortstop phenom.  Alvarez, who was compared to a very young Ozzie Smith, was even given a $1.4 million signing bonus.

At the time the Nats signed Captain Smiles, his birth records indicated he was 16 years-old.  Turns out he’s actually four years older.

What’s unclear is how the National’s front office figured this mystery out.  Maybe it had something to do with the fact that he was shaving at 11 and had male-pattern baldness by 15.  Regardless, it looks like smiley face t-shirt day at Nats park will have to wait until this mess clears.

PS: If the Nationals are hurting so bad for talent that they are willing to sign 16 year-old children, we can’t wait for what the 2009 season has in store.