MLB

PROBE WON’T FORCE OUT PROSPECTS

ARLINGTON – While the Yankees have placed Carlos Rios and Ramon Valdivia on administrative leave until MLB’s investigative unit is done looking into allegations that money from signing bonuses in the Dominican Republic was skimmed, it’s believed that the players involved won’t become free agents.

“It’s a scouting thing,” a source close to the situation said. “They aren’t going to go that route [free agent].”

That’s a good thing for the Yankees since stud prospect Kelvin DeLeon’s name has surfaced in the investigation. DeLeon, a 17-year-old outfielder, was signed for $1.1 million last year and is playing for the Yankees’ entry in the Dominican League.

According to sources, Rios and Valdivia have had their company credit cards and computer access revoked pending the results of the investigation. Rios is the director of Latin America Scouting and Valdivia is the Dominican Republic scouting director.

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About a half-dozen Yankees, Joe Girardi, his coaches and members of the YES Network will travel today from Dallas to Oklahoma City for Bobby Murcer‘s memorial service. All are expected back for tonight’s game.

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Hideki Matsui (knee) took swings off a batting tee and soft tosses then took 25 swings against live pitching in the batting cage yesterday at the minor league complex in Tampa..

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Xavier Nady was the DH and Richie Sexson the first baseman against Rangers lefty Matt Harrison last night. That forced Jason Giambi to the bench. Sexson was 2-for-4 with a grand slam in the eighth last night. Nady went 1-for-4 and Giambi pinch-hit in the seventh and walked.