MLB RUMORS: AFTERNOON UPDATE

By Matt Lynch & Mark J. Miller

updated 3:02 p.m. ET July 17, 2009

Yankees cancel fraudulent signing
After signing someone they believed to be 16-year-old Damian Arredono – a shortstop prospect from the Dominican Republic – two weeks ago, the Yankees reportedly had to cancel the deal. Apparently, Arredono isn’t who he says he is and is older than 16. That nullifies his contract and prevents him from making any deals with major league teams for another calendar year. Oops. (Sports Illustrated)

B.J. Ryan awaits AAA stint for Cubs
After signing former Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan, the Cubs have reportedly assigned him to pitch in Triple-A Iowa. The left-hander will head to the Cubs’ spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz., and will move up to Iowa when he’s ready. The extra boost in the bullpen could propel the ailing Cubs to the playoff run its fans so eagerly desire ... or not. (Chicago Tribune)

Morning rumors

Teams saying no to Nats’ Johnson

The Nationals would apparently love to deal first baseman Nick Johnson in the next few weeks but it is apparently asking for too much in return for a guy who is injured fairly frequently and becomes a free agent at season’s end. Rumor has it the Nationals are asking for “top young players” in exchange for Johnson and teams are saying no. The player that many teams actually seem ready to deal for is utility guy Willie Harris. (MLB.com)

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