Daily Update: 07/15/2008

MLB has created an Investigative Unit to handle delicate situations, like steroids and the recent bonus skimming scandal. In May, scouts of the White Sox were fired for apparently skimming money from international signee's bonuses.

According to reports, at least 1 MLB GM has been investigated. It was revealed this past weekend that Nationals GM Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijos are being investigated for having a hand in the scandal. Both claim they are clean.

This comes shortly after an Orioles scout was fired for ties to sports betting. More scouts may be involved. There is no indication that any games were fixed.

Scores
Home Run Derby Finals:
Morneau 5, Hamilton 3

Eliminated in Semifinals:
Berkman, Braun

Eliminated in first round:
Utley, Sizemore, Uggla, Longoria.

Transactions
Detroit Tigers
Dane Sardinha Outrighted to Minors.
Los Angeles Angels
Dustin Moseley Sent to Minors.

Daily Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors
- There is still interest in Jack Wilson from the Dodgers.
- The Diamondbacks and Mariners have had talks about Raul Ibanez, but the D'backs don't feel he's much of an upgrade over Chad Tracy.
- AJ Burnett may have pitched on short rest to get in more starts before the trade deadline; one GM feels he won't opt out after the season.
- The Angels will try to keep Francisco Rodriguez after this season; he plans on testing the market.
- Cincinnati is finding there is little interest in Adam Dunn.
- The Astros won't throw in the towel because they are a second-half team.
- CC Sabathia's first choice team this winter - the Dodgers; he wants to be in the NL and on the West Coast.
- Greg Maddux names the Dodgers and Braves as the 2 teams he wants to play for; he also realizes that both are most likely out of the market for him, while St. Louis and Philadelphia are possibilities.
- The Pirates have denied talking to teams about Jason Bay; they would prefer to keep him and deal Xavier Nady.
- Seattles tradable pieces in their order to deal them: Arthur Rhodes, Erik Bedard, Jarrod Washburn, Raul Ibanez, and Adrian Beltre.
- The Braves will probably make lefty reliever Will Ohman available.
- Omar Vizquel will not retire this season.
- The Nationals still haven't signed their top 5 picks; the deadline to sign is in August.
- Jeff Borris, Barry Bonds' agent, thinks there is little chance his client will play this year.
- Could Brian Cashman become the GM of the Mariners?
- At least 10 teams have been scouting the Mets Double A team.
- Oakland is willing to move Joe Blanton.
- The Phillies had an offer shot down for AJ Burnett; top prospects Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, and Greg Golson were not part of the trade.
- Nick Adenhart is available from the Angels in a deal for one of the bigger names: Teixeira or Holliday for example.
- Rumors that the Cubs have inquired on Khalil Greene are false.
- The Braves offer Teixeira to the Red Sox for Kevin Youkilis and were shot down; the Red Sox may still be interested.
Around the Web
Injury Report
Top Prospect Alert's Top MiLB Performances.
BA Prospect Blog

Today's Matchups
NL at AL, 8:05
Sheets (10-3) vs Lee (12-2)

NL Lineup
Hanley Ramirez - SS
Chase Utley - 2B
Lance Berkman - 1B
Albert Pujols - DH
Chipper Jones - 3B
Matt Holliday - RF
Ryan Braun - LF
Kosuke Fukudome - CF
Geovany Soto - C

AL Lineup
Ichiro Suzuki - RF
Derek Jeter - SS
Josh Hamilton - CF
Alex Rodriguez - 3B
Manny Ramirez - LF
Milton Bradley - DH
Kevin Youkilis - 1B
Joe Mauer - C
Dustin Pedroia - 2B