Miguel Tejada admitted to the Houston Astros on Thursday that he was, in fact, 33 years old and not the 31 listed in the team’s records. The “clerical error” dates back to Tejada’s initial signing with the Oakland Athletics when he told officials that he was 17 years old and was 19. Tejada cites advice from a coach in the Dominican Republic for the mistake, one that he surely made to pull himself and his family out of poverty.

The optimist in all of us can’t blame the guy for wanting the best possible chance of making a fortune to provide for his family. A quick route to the majors would have a huge impact on their livelihood, and he was “a poor kid” as he told the Associated Press.

But, the FBI may not see it so innocently, as it continues an investigation for a possible perjury charge against Tejada. The ‘pattern of lies’ evidence can only assist in the bureau’s claim that he did perjur himself to congressional investigators three years ago.

To be fair, the second lie - the one involving steroids that has Tejada sweating in federal court - remains an allegation. Which makes the timing of this honest moment all the more intriguing. Was Tejada’s counsel aware of his decision to reveal the truth to the Astros? Did they find it harmful to his upcoming perjury case? Did they find it helpful?

Maybe I’m thinking too much into this, and maybe I know absolutely nothing about how the FBI goes about its business. But this seems like an obvious way for federal agents to connect a few dots. After all, if a player starts his career under a false pretense, at what point is said player motivated enough to get honest?

Apparently after he’s already signed on the dotted line of his final pro contract.

Some other thoughts on the matter …

The Fourth Out doesn’t think the difference between 17 and 19 would have been a factor in the A’s decision to sign Tejada. At that age, talent is talent and youth is youth, so that’s a good point. But, add that his inclusion in the Mitchell Report and a looming perjury charge, and the Astros got a lesser product than they paid for over the winter.

Tejada is just the most recent in a long line of false age claims, says 100 Percent Injury Rate. Among current players, Tejada joins elite company David Ortiz, Alfonso Soriano and Rafael Furcal on the list.

Busted Play is curious when Julio Franco will announce his real age. Some historians believe that Franco actually could be the world’s oldest human being.