‘Round the Bases
* Infielder Felipe Lopez and Washington avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million deal. He’s played most of his major league career as a shortstop but has agreed to shift to second base in 2007, when he’s expected to be Washington’s leadoff hitter.
* Ramon Ortiz, who won 11 games for Washington agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million, contract with the Minnesota Twins.
* Jason Michaels, an outfielder for the Indians, finalized a two-year, $4.25 million contract, a deal that includes a $100,000 signing bonus and $2.6 million club option for 2009.
* Justin Duchscherer and Oakland avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $1,187,500 contract.
* The San Diego Padres doesn’t expect to finalize its deal with left-hander David Wells until next week.

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