Alex Rodriguez and Mets outfield prospect Cesar Puello are referenced in new records obtained from a South Florida clinic being targeted by Major League Baseball in a doping investigation, ESPN reported last night.
Rodriguez is listed in paperwork acquired from the now-defunct Biogenesis of America clinic run by Anthony Bosch that includes references to Melky Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Francisco Cervelli and Ryan Braun. Each has denied receiving performing-enhancing drugs, but Braun said he used Bosch as a consultant last year. Cervelli said he consulted Bosch last year when he was injured.
PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING
In front of Rodriguez’s name is the abbreviation for Florida, followed by amounts of $4,000 and $3,000. Rodriguez is listed elsewhere with $4,500 written next to his name. He is also identified as “Caciques,” a clinic nickname given by Bosch, in another 2012 handwritten note that makes reference to text him about fees. On the computer printout, an entry next to “Caciques” says $7,500, and indicates the fee was paid.
Puello, a mid-level prospect on the Mets’ 40-man roster, is one of five new ballplayers named in the report linked to the clinic. Documents also list Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera, the reigning NL stolen-base champion, Oakland reliever Jordan Norberto, Astros outfielder Fernando Martinez, a former Met, and Padres reliever Fautino De Los Santis.
Puello is in the club’s spring training camp. He was signed out of the Dominican as a 16-year-old in 2007. He is expected to open the season in Double-A after missing extensive time last year with a broken bone in his hand.
The Mets released a statement last night saying, “Because of the ongoing investigation, we have no comment.’’
According to two sources familiar with Bosch’s operation, the Nationals’ Gio Gonzalez, previously identified as being named in Biogenesis documents, did not receive banned substances from Bosch or the clinic.
Sources said the players, like those who have been named in previous Biogenesis documents, were on a list as having received PEDs, though the documents are not proof the players either received or used PEDs.
At least 25 players, either by name or nickname, are identified in the Biogenesis documents. Sources have indicated the number of MLB players who dealt with Bosch over the years could be significantly higher.
Bosch told “Outside the Lines” the allegations against him are “all wrong.”