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Report: Ramirez to get richest Marlins contract
Associated Press
Big Fish
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal hadn't been completed. It's expected to be announced next weekend when the team returns home from a seven-game trip.
In February, the Marlins reached an agreement to build a long-sought, retractable-roof stadium near downtown, which is expected to substantially increase revenue for a franchise with a history of poor attendance and tight budgets.
Florida's 2008 payroll of $22 million is by far the smallest in the major leagues.
"As we get closer to the stadium, those things will change," owner Jeffrey Loria said in March.
Now it's likely Ramirez will still be with the Marlins when they move into the new ballpark in 2011. His deal would be the most lucrative in franchise history, topping the $61 million, six-year contract Gary Sheffield signed in 1997.
"When that happens, I think it's a good message to send for the organization, for the team, for the community," manager Fredi Gonzalez said before Saturday's game at Washington. "But nothing is set right now. It's all rumors."
When reporters approached Ramirez before the game, he smiled, laughed and waved.
"No comment, no comment," he said.
Marlins officials also declined to comment. Ramirez's agent, Andy Mota, didn't return calls seeking comment.
Ramirez's contract would average $11.7 million a year. The Marlins' best-paid player this season is closer Kevin Gregg at $2.5 million.
The 24-year-old Ramirez, who will make $439,000 in 2008, would be eligible for arbitration after this season. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2006 and had a breakout season in 2007, when he hit .332 with 29 home runs, 81 RBIs and 51 stolen bases.
He's off to a fine start again this year for first-place Florida, hitting .336 with eight homers, 21 RBIs and 13 stolen bases going into Saturday night's game at Washington.
"He's going to be a superstar in this league for a lot of years," Nationals manager Manny Acta said after Ramirez scored twice and drove in a run Friday at Washington. "He can hit a home run. He can bunt and steal second and third and score on anything. He'll take a walk. He'll hit over .320, almost guaranteed. He can do everything he wants in the game."
Several other Marlins will become eligible for arbitration and substantial raises after this season, including second baseman Dan Uggla, left fielder Josh Willingham, first baseman Mike Jacobs and left-hander Scott Olsen.
"With the new stadium, we kind of figured they're going to make an effort to lock a few guys up," Uggla said. "They're starting with Hanley, and everybody's happy for Hanley. He's set for the rest of his life. Who knows what they're going to do now?
"I think it's a great move. He's going to be one of the best players in the game for a long time. He's a winner. It's really smart on their part."
The Marlins traditionally have been reluctant to sign players to lengthy contracts. Last December they traded Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis rather than lock them up with long-term deals.
Making such a commitment to Ramirez could give the Marlins a much-needed attendance boost, Willingham said.
"Fans want to be familiar with their players," Willingham said. "Somebody like him, to know he's going to be around to watch for that many years, will maybe get some more people in the stands."
Ramirez came to Florida in a payroll-paring trade that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston in November 2005. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he was glad to hear about Ramirez's contract.
"Good for him. That's great news," Francona said.
Francona said it was apparent early in Ramirez's first spring training with the Red Sox that he would become a star. Francona said he remembers coaches telling him from the outset, "This kid is some kind of special."
Member Comments
its too bad the marlins dont have a lot of fans, 2 titles since they game into the league in the early 90's. c'mon now. baseball in miami could do better
crizilla5/12/2008 12:34:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Hanley Ramirez is worth every penny spent on him. You could look at his offensive numbers and think that's where the contract came from. But the main source for his contract comes in the fact, that the Marlins are getting a new stadium. With a new stadium comes new fans, and new sponsors. Does everyone know on these blogs that everything is a market item. Everyone thinks that guys that don't hit .300 and 20-30 HR's is worthless. And that the team should trade them. Here's the actuality of marketing a baseball player. When a player's contract is being drawn up, their performance is actually only 30 to 40 percent of decision. When a certain player comes to bat, do you recognize the change in advertisement behind them on a TV broadcast? Each advertiser on the outfield walls and scoreboards is factored into the amount of time cameras will spend on them. Player merchandise like jerseys, collectors items, and other merchandise are also factored in. Like I said, with a new stadium comes new fans...they need someone to help recognize them as Marlin fans, and through his performance and marketable character, Hanley Ramirez is worth the money and years. He's going to get national exposure through this contract. New fans with love Ramirez, and will make him apart of their own. Just like the Yankees did with Jeter. They made him the cornerstone of their dynasty. You see Jeter jerseys all over the place. Good job Marlins. A fine choice. Next step now is to find and lock up a pitcher to represent the team. Then an outfielder, and a solid defensive catcher. The Marlins are starting a dynasty now. The right way.
Dinski5/11/2008 11:20:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Good move by the Marlins. Appears to be the first positive of getting the new stadium. They now seem to be looking to the future instead of just short term.
oldoug5/11/2008 4:06:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Who's getting a 70 million dollar contract????
sho_nuff_5/10/2008 18:18:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
"Redsox still need a shortstop (guess who gave up ramirez lol)."<br /><br />Gave up Hanley for Josh Beckett (in his prime), Mike Lowell and 2007 World Championship.<br /><br />um..yeah, I guess you have a clue...NOT.
CoachDale5/10/2008 16:00:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
If this kid waited 2 more seasons he could have gotten 15-17 million per just like that fat 3rd baseman the Tigers overpaid for. Redsox still need a shortstop (guess who gave up ramirez lol). They'll be shopping 2 years from now. Jetes is getting older to.
Bobobuey5/10/2008 15:36:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
I was at opening day for the Marlins of their inaugrial season 92 or 93. They had sheffield, conine, and charley hough. Stadium was packed. Unfortunately their aren't more than a few thousand baseball fans in SoFla. It's a football town and always will be. New Stadium or not after the first seazon people will stop coming. Mini Lobster season gets more excitement in SOFla than the Marlins do. Just like the Marlin billfish baseball fans are hard o find in Florida. Just ask the Tampa she-Rays. Even spring training teams keep moving out to Arizona. I love Florida and wish I still lived there, but it isn't very good for anything other than Football.
Bobobuey5/10/2008 15:32:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Ya know, I guess I'd like the Marlins o..k. if I didn't have to listen to their TV announcers - Tommy "Horseface" Hutton and Rich "Leprechaun" Waltz - they are the absolute worst!!!! For all the stats they spout every game, they must sit on books 3' tall - they can even tell you what the batter averaged against a guy who doesn't even pitch any more - WHO CARES????? It's "what have you done for me lately" - not what you did 2-3 years ago. Just announce the game and shut up with all the other stuff! And I think some of the players on the Marlins hve attitude problems - "look at me - I'm cool - I just caught that fly ball" Like that's not what they're supposed to do. Oh well. Since I don't get to see the Braves any more on TBS, I have to watch the Marlins and get P.O.'d. I don't understand that, either. TBS, based in Atlanta, doesn't show the Braves any more, but run Yankee or Red Sox games instead. 'splain that one to me.
bingobonnie5/10/2008 15:10:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
good for ramirez and the marlins! his a quality shortstop and worth every penny. cant wait til the new stadium is built its gonna help out a lot of things.
FLAmarlins865/10/2008 15:04:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
good for the Marlins. Hanley Ramirez is a quality shortstop.
RealisticYankeesFan5/10/2008 14:06:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
70 million dollars sure aint what it used to be. I guess you could still feed your fambly with Totinos pizzas. They were 91 cents at the store today.
5/10/2008 13:18:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
peirez if you don't like baseball what the F... are you doing on this sight besides insulting all of us Baseball Mugs I say "To each his own"
dude123456785/10/2008 13:10:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
I hope the Marlins also take care of Danny Uggla.
jacenstace5/10/2008 12:40:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Public financing for stadiums is the biggest scam is sports history, but lighten up a little. The Marlins are just a baseball franchise. They sell entertainment, not the cure for cancer. They are not the ones driving salaries to insane levels, which have nothing to do with the overall economy or how much regular folks make. As morally upstanding members of the community perhaps they should support local charities, but they don't have to.<br />And in other news, Theo Epstein was overheard saying, "Crap. The Marlins have foiled our diabolical plan to trade Hanley Ramirez then re-acquire him is free agency."
vic50145/10/2008 12:33:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
SURFACE TAXES ARE WHAT YOU SEE ON YOUR PAYCHECK STUB. EVERYTIME YOU PURCHASE AN ITEM OR SERVICE YOU PAY AGAIN. THEN THE COMPANY OR INDIVIDUAL PAYS AGAIN. THEN WHEN COMPAIES PAYOUT DIVIDENDS ON WHICH THEY HAVE PAID, THE PERSON PAYS TAX ON IT AGAIN. ON NEARLY EVERYTHING MADE,SOLD OR SERVICED IS TAXED MULYIPLE TIMES BY THE GOVERNMENTS (LOCAL.COUNTY.SATE AND FEDERAL)
FARGOWOLF5/10/2008 12:29:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Hanley Ramirez is probably the best offensive shortstop in the league. It brings up the question of why they didn't sign Miguel Cabrera to this kind of money.
xxLEVIxx5005/10/2008 12:29:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
I don't care what the numbers are...I'm sick of all pro athletes whining about their pay when the people that taught them everything they know (teachers/h.s. coaches) are making about 1% of what their making. Pathetic.
LngLv345/10/2008 12:25:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
If you really want the facts they are as follows:<br /><br />Tax brakets are progressice meaning you only pay the tax percentage on the money in that bracket.<br /><br />i.e. if you make 7,000 you are in the 10% bracket<br />if you make 7,001-the first 7,000 is taxed at 10% and 15% on the one dollar in the 15% tax bracket. <br /><br />Since he will blow by the lower tax brackets farely quickly most of his money will be in the highest tax bracket of 35% which is for all money over 357,700 he will be probably pay around 34.5% taxes.<br /><br />There is no Florida state tax, he will pay 1.45% on all of the money for medicare and <br />6.2% on the first $100,00 for Social security. Top agents only get roughly 4% not 10%.<br /><br />So 40% of his money will go to taxes and agents. So he will probably get around 7 millon a year net money.<br /><br />After you add back all the tax shelters credits <br />and "so-called" foundation donations he makes he probably gets another 1 million of tax breaks.<br /><br />Yours Truly<br />Howard R Block
neighborRich5/10/2008 12:13:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
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