MORE MANIPULATION OF THE MARKET  —  Have Major League Baseball clubs found yet another way of manipulating players' pay?  They have if the union is correct in its suspicions about the Houston Astros' contract negotiations with three of their selections in last month's draft.

Chen allows five hits in eight innings, Orioles beat Mariners  —  SEATTLE — Wie-Yin Chen allowed five hits over eight innings and Delmon Young hit a three-run homer to give the Baltimore Orioles a 4-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.  —  Chen (11-3), who has won …

Jeter receives a ‘Terrific’ endorsement  —  Seaver expects Yanks captain to become first unanimous Hall of Fame inductee  —  NEW YORK — The pride that flows through the body of Tom Seaver these days defies measurement.  He is a rightfully proud man, but he doesn't beat his chest.

Feeling's mutual: Astros holding on to Qualls  —  OAKLAND — With a week remaining prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Astros are expected to be relatively inactive, which would be a change from the previous four years in which they made a handful of deals to ship off veterans for young players.

Rockies aren't in active talks about Stubbs  —  Other clubs are interested in outfielder, and things could heat up next week  —  DENVER — The Mariners, who are seeking a right-handed bat as they try to keep pace in the American League postseason race, have shown interest in Rockies outfielder Drew Stubbs.

Noesi, Eaton Lead White Sox Past Twins, 5-2  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Hector Noesi allowed three hits over 7 2-3 innings and Adam Eaton had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.  —  Noesi (5-7) gave up two runs …

(USATSI)  —  The Cubs are trying to trade struggling starter Edwin Jackson, who's slipped badly this year and needs a change of scenery, at least.  —  Even the Yankees, an occasional pursuer of Jackson in the past, don't seem interested.  So this might be a tough task.

Ex-MLB star Chuck Knoblauch accused of assaulting ex-wife in Bunker Hill  —  HOUSTON - Former Major League Baseball star Chuck Knoblauch was arrested Wednesday night and accused of assaulting his ex-wife.  —  Knoblauch, 46, is charged with assault of a family member after allegedly hitting Cheri Knoblauch inside her Bunker Hill home.

Yankees Exploring Trades For Ian Kennedy, Jorge De La Rosa  —  10:21pm: The Yankees are also having discussions with the Rockies regarding starter Jorge De La Rosa, Bowden tweets.  —  10:09pm: The Yankees do have interest in Kennedy, but do not intend to give up both Jagielo and Clarkin for him …

Source: Mets fielding calls on All-Star Daniel Murphy  —  MILWAUKEE — Rival clubs have reached out to the Mets about trading for second baseman Daniel Murphy, who is coming off his first appearance in the All-Star Game.  —  But according to a source, the Mets appear more likely …