Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden said yesterday that the club is likely headed to arbitration with Soriano, the all-star second baseman whom the Nationals acquired in a trade with Texas last month. Soriano, who made $7.5 million last year, submitted a proposed salary of $12 million, while the Nationals countered with an offer of $10 million. The two sides can negotiate up until a potential hearing, which would be scheduled between Feb. 1 and 20. "There's kind of an agreement to disagree on where he falls," Bowden said.