Remaining bidders for the Dodgers are being invited to meetings with the team's management in Los Angeles.

A source familiar with one of the group's plans said Thursday its meeting had been scheduled for next week and the group will have the opportunity to ask questions as it prepares for the second round of bidding.

Rams owner Stan Kroenke is among those who advanced past the first round of bidding.

Current Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who placed the team in bankruptcy last year, signed an agreement with Major League Baseball saying he would select a new owner by April.

Nationals prevail in arbitration case • Washington defeated John Lannan in salary arbitration when a three-person panel ruled the pitcher, 10-13 with a 3.70 ERA in 33 starts last season, will receive the club's offer of $5 million rather than his request for $5.7 million.

Kotchman is heading to Indians • Cleveland and first baseman Casey Kotchman, who batted .306 with 10 homers and 48 RBIs for the Tampa Bay Rays last season, agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million contract, two sources said.

The Indians also agreed to a one-year contract with pitcher Rafael Perez for $2,005,000, avoiding arbitration. Perez went 5-2 with a 3.00 ERA last season.

Associated Press