BASEBALL NOTES

Outfielder Otis Nixon returned to the Atlanta Braves, agreeing to a one-year contract that gives the team a true leadoff hitter.

The Braves also re-signed shortstop Ozzie Guillen to a two-year deal, providing depth behind injury-plagued Walt Weiss.

Weiss was the Braves’ leadoff hitter most of last season, inheriting the role almost by default after the team failed to re-sign Kenny Lofton. Weiss, who started in the All-Star game, had a .386 on-base percentage, but he lacks speed (only seven stole n bases), and chronic leg injuries limited him to 96 games.

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The Braves also announced that they would be hosting the 2000 All-Star game at Turner Field, two years earlier than they expected.

Baseball officials took the game away from the Florida Marlins because they were concerned about the team’s shaky ownership situation.

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The St. Louis Cardinals are prepared to make a bid for free-agent pitcher Kevin Brown, but General Manager Walt Jocketty isn’t sure he can meet Brown’s lofty asking price.

Agent Scott Boras, said Brown, who played for the Padres last season, has two six-year offers on the table and wants to start the bidding at $75 million.