MLB NOTEBOOK: A’s get CF Willy Taveras from Reds

CINCINNATI — A trade that saved some money made the Cincinnati Reds’ next shortstop affordable.

The Reds sent center fielder Willy Taveras to the Oakland Athletics on Monday as part of a four-player deal, then agreed to a $3.02 million, one-year deal with Orlando Cabrera to become their starting shortstop. Both teams made a series of moves that changed the looks of their rosters.

Along with Taveras, the Reds sent infielder Adam Rosales to the A’s for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named. Oakland was busy as well, agreeing with outfielder Gabe Gross on a $750,000, one-year contract and claiming infielder Steve Tolleson off waivers from Minnesota. Once the A’s got Taveras, they designated him for assignment, along with left-hander Dana Eveland, to create space on their 40-man roster for the newcomers.

Investors miss deadline for Astros

HOUSTON — Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane is apparently keeping his team. McLane, who bought the team in November 1992 for about $117 million, had set a Jan. 31 deadline for an investment group to make an offer. On Monday, McLane said “nothing materialized” and he was looking ahead to the 2010 season.

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Lawsuit: Hicks, Rangers owe $6.9M

DALLAS — An architectural firm and a construction company accused the Texas Rangers and owner Tom Hicks on Monday of failing to pay $6.9 million for more than three years’ worth of work.

In a lawsuit filed in state district court in Dallas, RTKL Associates Inc. and Vratsinas Construction allege that they are owed the money for work on a proposed development adjacent to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Agent: Mora and Rockies agree

DENVER — Spending the last 9½ seasons in Baltimore and watching the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox annually battle for playoff berths left Melvin Mora with one big wish in free agency: He wants to go back to the playoffs.

Mora’s agent, Eric Goldschmidt, confirmed that Mora agreed to a $1.3 million, one-year contract with Colorado, an agreement first reported by foxsports.com. The Rockies have made two playoff berths in three seasons.