Bruney, Nationals go to arbitration hearing

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Washington Nationals reliever Brian Bruney has asked an arbitration panel for a raise from $1.25 million to $1.85 million.

The team argued during Tuesday's hearing that he should be paid $1.5 million. A decision by arbitrators Steven Wolf, Sylvia Skratek and Dan Brent is expected Wednesday, when Bruney turns 28.

Washington acquired the right-hander from the New York Yankees on Dec. 7 for a player to be named, outfielder Jamie Hoffmann, whom the Nationals selected with the first pick of the winter meeting draft.

Bruney was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances last season. He pitched once for the Yankees from mid-April until mid-June because of a strained right elbow, an injury he blamed on time he spent warming up during an umpires' video review.

He was dropped from the Yankees' roster for playoff series against Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels, then gave up two runs and got just one out in his lone World Series appearance, in the opener against Philadelphia.

Players lead owners 2-1 in cases decided thus far, with Milwaukee outfielder Corey Hart ($4.8 million) and Florida outfielder Cody Ross ($4.45 million) winning, and Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton ($3 million) losing.

Five more players are scheduled for hearings this week: Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar and catcher Jeff Mathis; Washington left-hander Sean Burnett; Houston left-hander Wandy Rodriguez and Chicago Cubs shortstop Ryan Theriot.