Washington unveils plan for possible Expos move

Washington — The District of Columbia proposed a $338 million package Thursday in an effort to persuade baseball owners to move the Montreal Expos to the nation’s capital.

The plan includes $275 million for a new ballpark and $15 million to renovate RFK Stadium, where the team would play until a new stadium is ready.

“We believe we’ll see far more revenue than necessary to weather any vagaries … like an economic downturn or a baseball strike,” said Steve Green with the District of Columbia Office of Planning and Economic Development.

Washington, Northern Virginia and Portland, Ore., are seeking the Expos, who were bought by the other 29 teams before the 2002 season. Baseball officials have said they would like to make a decision on the team’s future by the All-Star break in mid-July.

Northern Virginia — which would build a ballpark in Arlington, Fairfax or Loudoun counties outside Washington — plans to issue $285 million in bonds to fund a $400 million ballpark, with the team paying the rest.

Yankees sign Arrojo

Tampa, Fla. — The New York Yankees have signed pitcher Rolando Arrojo to a minor-league contract. The former Tampa Bay and Boston pitcher could join Triple-A Columbus next week. He has been working out with the Yankees’ extended spring training team. Arrojo didn’t allow a hit over two scoreless innings in an extended spring intrasquad game Wednesday.