--Now that they've secured financing for a new ballpark, the Marlins want to showcase it by signing star SS Hanley Ramirez.
The Marlins and Ramirez have agreed to the framework of six-year, $70 milion extension that would be the richest contract in franchise history. An announcement could come as early as Friday when Florida returns from its road trip.
Players hope the deal signals a reverse of direction for a franchise that has constantly cut loose star players.
"It's definitely a change from the way they've done things in the past," 2B Dan Uggla said. "With the new stadium we kind of figured they're going to make an effort to lock a few guys up. They're starting with Hanley. I think it's a great move. He's gonna be one of the best players in the game for long time."
Ramirez, 24, is making $439,000. He would have been eligible for arbitration after this season, possibly getting at least $8 million.
--RF Jeremy Hermida's home run in the eighth inning Sunday was his first since April 11.
--LF Josh Willingham's minor league rehab has been put on hold because he didn't feel comfortable during batting practice Saturday. He did no baseball activities Sunday and will try to take some swings Monday. He's eligible to be activated Tuesday but it's looking more like he'll return to action after the team returns home Friday.
--1B Mike Jacobs, out since May 7 with a tight left quad, felt fine after running Saturday.
"That's a good step toward (returning) maybe one of these games in Cincinnati," manager Fredi Gonzalez said Sunday. "I'm sure he'll be knocking on my door tomorrow."
--LF Luis Gonzalez doubled to center in the sixth inning Saturday for his 575th career double, putting him in sole possession of 18th place all-time. Next up is Wade Boggs (578). Gonzalez's doubles are most among active players.
--RF Jeremy Hermida was called out looking in the first inning Sunday, making the Marlins the first team in baseball to reach 300 total strikeouts this year. The Marlins have 304 strikeouts.
BY THE NUMBERS 212 -- Games (through Sunday) the Marlins have played without a starter throwing a complete game. LHP Scott Olsen came within one strike of going all the way Tuesday against the Brewers before he walked Joe Dillon with two on and two out in the ninth. Florida won 3-0 after Kevin Gregg threw one pitch to get Bill Hall on a fly out.
QUOTE TO NOTE "It means they're going to have a really, really, really good player for a long time."-- 2B Dan Uggla on SS Hanley Ramirez, who is close to signing a six-year $70-milion extension.
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By getting a long-term contract in just his third season, shortstop Hanley Ramirez will make a little history with the Marlins. But the Ramirez contract is just one of many in what is becoming a trend in baseball.
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