WASHINGTON — Outfielder Willy Taveras agreed to a minor-league contract Monday with the Nationals. If added to the 40-man roster, Taveras would receive a contract for the $400,000 major-league minimum, with Oakland responsible for the remainder of his $4 million salary.
Taveras hit .240 with one homer and 15 RBIs for Cincinnati last season and has a .276 average with eight homers, 124 RBIs and 194 steals in five major-league seasons. He led the major leagues with 68 steals for the Rockies two years ago.
• Marlins outfielder Cody Ross has gone to salary arbitration, asking for $4.45 million rather than the team’s offer of $4.2 million. Arbitrators are expected to issue a decision today. Ross hit .270 with 24 homers and 90 RBIs last season and made $2.3 million.
• The Marlins want to host baseball’s All-Star Game in 2015. A $515 million, retractable-roof stadium on the former Orange Bowl site is set to open in 2012, when the team will be renamed the Miami Marlins.
• Outfielder Endy Chavez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Rangers that includes an invitation to spring training. Chavez is recovering from knee surgery and is not expected to be fully healthy for the start of the regular season. He played 54 games for Seattle last year before tearing the ACL in his right knee when he collided with shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt when both were chasing a popup June 19.
• New Yankee Curtis Granderson could find himself in left field this season. “(Manager Joe Girardi) called and asked, ‘Hey, how do you feel about that and be honest with me if you don’t (want to), let me know,’ ” Granderson said. “I said I’m able to do that and/or move up and down the lineup. I’ve batted every spot pretty much except for the third spot.” Denver Post wire services
