Making the money

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- Outfielder Michael Morse's two-year contract with the Washington Nationals is worth US$10.5 million, including salaries of $3.25 million in 2012, and $6.75 million in 2013.

Morse also gets a signing bonus of $500,000.

The Nationals announced last week they had reached a deal with Morse before arbitration figures were exchanged, but it was contingent on a physical. He passed the exam last week, and the sides avoided arbitration.

The 29-year-old Morse, who also plays first base, hit for a .303 average with 31 homers and 95 RBIs in 2011 -- leading the Nationals in each category.

Morse has played seven seasons in the majors with the Nationals and Seattle Mariners, but really emerged over the last two years in Washington.