MLB is using DNA testing to make sure players aren’t swapping identities. Now, players are swapping whole families:

According to international sources familiar with the process, however, trainers and others are developing even more elaborate schemes to beat the DNA test—a Version 2.0 of the Alvarez/Guzman model of deception. Instead of swapping the identity of only the player, now the swap involves multiple family members, with the mothers as the most crucial components.

So in addition to the player switching identities with a younger male, the mother of the player and the mother of the younger male also swap identities. When the player and his mother take a DNA test, they will match, of course. If the father is estranged from the mother and they were never married, the fathers don’t even need to swap identities because the player already has his mother’s surname. The family that gives up its identity is compensated for its cooperation. The families involved in these switches are likely to come from poor backgrounds, international sources said, in part because a player with a parent in a professional occupation like a banker, lawyer or professor would have to deal with more logistical issues swapping identities.

I guess we’re just going to need to implant everyone with chips when they’re born that kill if they’re removed. 🙂 Either that, or MLB will simply have to continue doing good detective work.

Hat tip, BBTF.