Sat May 10 12:37:21 2008

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Report: Marlins sign Ramirez to long-term deal

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Miami, FL (Sports Network) - The Florida Marlins have reportedly agreed to a long-term contract with star shortstop Hanley Ramirez.

According to the Miami Herald, the deal will be for six years and worth up to $70 million, but won't be officially announced until the Marlins return from their current seven-game road trip which concludes on May 15 against the Cincinnati Reds.

Florida acquired the 24-year-old in the 2005 offseason as part of a five- player trade with Boston. The Fish sent pitcher Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell to the Red Sox for Ramirez and pitchers Anibal Sanchez and Jesus Delgado.

Ramirez, the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year, is currently making $439,000. He is hitting .336 with eight home runs and 21 runs batted in to go along with 13 stolen bases in 35 games.

The young Marlins are off to a surprising 21-14 start in the early going and hold a one-game lead atop the NL East.