"The Nationals avoided arbitration with catcher Jesus Flores by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract, the team announced. Flores will earn $815,000 in 2012, a raise of $65,000 from last year, plus up to $50,000 in performance bonuses based on games played.

Flores, 27, appeared in 30 games last year with the Nationals after missing all of 2010 and most of 2009 with a torn labrum. Flores hit .209/.253/.314 in 91 plate appearances and showed improvement behind the plate as he regained arm strength. The Nationals plan on Flores serving as Wilson Ramos's backup this season."