Source: Ramirez close to long-term deal
Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez has agreed to the framework of a $70 million, six-year contract to remain with the Marlins, a person familiar with the negotiations said Saturday.
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.
SEXSON'S SUSPENSION REDUCED TO 5 GAMES: Richie Sexson's suspension for charging the mound in Seattle's 5-0 loss to Texas on Thursday was reduced from six games to five.
The Mariners said Sexson would begin the suspension with Saturday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. He will miss the final two games of the series against the White Sox, and all three games Monday through Wednesday against the Rangers.
A-ROD MAKES PROGRESS IN FLORIDA REHAB: Alex Rodriguez is making progress in his rehab from a strained right quadriceps, and the third baseman could rejoin New York Yankees late next week.
"So far, so good," Rodriguez said Saturday.
The three-time AL MVP is scheduled for an MRI on Monday and is eligible to come off the 15-day DL Thursday. Colon allows 1 run in 3 innings in minor league start
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon allowed one run and four hits in three innings during a rehab start Saturday night for Triple-A Pawtucket.
The 2005 AL Cy Young Award winner, who signed a minor league deal with Boston during the offseason, threw 36 of 49 pitches for strikes and topped out at 94 mph.
Colon strained his right oblique muscle and was placed on the disabled list April 7, a setback in his attempt to return to the big leagues with the Red Sox.
In his only previous appearance for Pawtucket, Colon pitched five innings and earned the win in a 3-0 victory over Indianapolis on April 3.
On Saturday, Pawtucket beat the Norfolk Tides 4-2.
Braves RHP John Smoltz hopes to resume throwing Sunday
PITTSBURGH (AP) — John Smoltz hopes to persuade the Atlanta Braves' medical staff to allow him to resume throwing as early as Sunday.
You can be the first to comment on this story.